3 John 1:11

Dear friend, do not follow a bad example, but a good one. The person who does what is good is from God; the person who does what is bad has never seen God.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

In Context

10So if I come, I will bring up his actions in telling wicked nonsense about us. Not content with that, he not only refuses to personally welcome our friends who are followers, but actually stops those who would, and expels them from the church.

12Everyone has always had a good word for Demetrius, and the truth itself speaks for him. Yes, and we also add our good word, and you know that what we say is true.

Read all of 3 John 1

Cross References

Psalms 34:14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

John 3:20For the person who lives an evil life hates the light, and will not come to it, fearing that their actions will be exposed;

John 12:26If someone is ready to serve me, let them follow me; and where I am, there my servant will be also. If a person is ready to serve me, my Father will honor them.

1 Corinthians 11:1Imitate me, as I myself imitate Christ.

Philippians 3:17My friends, unite in following my example, and fix your eyes on those who are living by the pattern which we have set you.

Matthew Henry on 3 John 1:10-12

The Character of Diotrephes. ( a. d. 90.) 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil… Read the whole commentary →

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