For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
3 John is a short letter John wrote to help God's family love God and love each other.
It is one of the smallest books in the whole Bible — almost like a quick note from a friend.
Today's Story
John has a friend named Gaius. John loves him very much, so he sends him a little letter.
“Dear friend,” John writes. “I pray that everything is going well with you, and that you are strong and healthy.” What a kind way to start!
John has heard some happy news about Gaius, and it makes him glad. People who travel around telling others about Jesus had stopped at Gaius' house. And Gaius opened his door wide. He gave them food. He gave them a place to rest. He helped them get ready to go again.
“You are doing a good thing,” John tells him. When we take care of God's helpers, we become helpers too!
Then John says something to remember: “Don't copy what is bad. Copy what is good.” A man named Diotrephes had been unkind and would not welcome anyone. But another man named Demetrius was kind and good. John says, “Be like the good one.”
John wants to come visit soon and talk face to face. For now, he sends his love. “Peace to you,” he writes.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Who is someone you could welcome today — maybe with a smile, a seat, or a snack?
- Gaius opened his door to help God's friends. What is one kind thing your family can do to help someone this week?
- John said to copy what is good, not what is bad. What is a good thing you have seen someone do that you would like to copy?