The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 John 1:10-11, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;

11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”

Long instructions are often unnecessary. Sometimes they actually get in the way of our understanding. John understands that and comes to the closing of this short letter with a solid thought that does not take many words (something from which I could undoubtedly profit). Interestingly, too, is the fact that this first century instruction is still valid for the 21ST Century in which we live.

I cannot guess how many have knocked on my door, pleasantly requesting that I accept their literature and listen to the words they have carefully prepared for me. Those who have walked so long with Christ Jesus know immediately that their message is not of Him. Oh, they say it is; but it is not. It spurns the truth of Holy Scripture and replaces it with words that teach their message, not His.

How are we to react to such persons? First, we must respect their willingness to walk hot streets and knock on doors where they know at many homes they will not be welcome. Do we do that with Christ’s Gospel? I’m afraid we don’t. Second, we must listen attentively, and not be rude. If our faith is immersed in love, we must let that love –HIS LOVE—show through to them whatever the cost in time. Third, we certainly are allowed to respond with Scripture that refutes their faulty doctrine. But that is not to argue, but to take the opportunity to share the LOVE of our LORD with those who are in dire need of the Truth.

Finally, John warns against inviting them “into your house.” One’s home is his last bastion of security. Remember when, as a child, you fell and skinned your knee? Where did you run, crying, except to your home –the place where you felt safe. No, those who peddle untruth (anything contrary to God’s Word), must be denied access to our own place of security. In fact, John instructs us not even to wish them well. Is that being ugly? Absolutely not! Why? Because “the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.” Pretty tough cookies, huh? Words like “Have a good day,” or “God bless you,” or “Thank you for coming” are all on the DO NOT SAY LIST! Even the word “Goodbye” has its origin in “God bless.” Words count with people (Try arguing with a cop!); moreover, they count mightily with God.

All of this can be accomplished with courtesy and respect, so long as you never leave them with the thought that their message has found the slightest lodging in your heart. Christ fills our hearts! There’s no room for anyone else!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”