When the apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, he commended the
truthful living and generous hospitality of those in his church (3 John 1:3-8).
In the same fellowship, however, Diotrephes, “who wants to be head of
everything” (v.9 Phillips), had created an atmosphere of hostility.
John promised to deal personally with Diotrephes on his next visit to
the church. In the meantime, he urged the congregation: “Beloved, do not
imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who
does evil has not seen God” (v.11). John’s words echo the instruction of Paul
to the Christians in Rome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good” (Rom. 12:21).
In a heated conflict, we may be tempted to “fight fire with fire.” Yet
John urges us to turn away from what is bad and follow what is good. This is
the pathway that honors our Savior.
As light overcomes darkness, goodness can overcome evil. (RBC)
