151 | What to Do When You Feel Challenged by Other Faiths and Beliefs (A Study of 2 & 3 John)

Find the full episode here: LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog

Want to stand firm in what you believe and love people well? In this episode, we open two of the shortest books in the Bible, 2 John and 3 John, and discover how they speak with surprising force into modern Christian living. 

John writes with the clarity of a spiritual father, offering biblical encouragement for those who want to hold onto truth without losing tenderness. He reminds us that the truth of Jesus Christ does not bend to the spirit of the age, and real love does not drift away from obedience. If you have felt pressure to soften doctrine to keep the peace, or to speak truth in a way that shuts people down, this conversation will help you return to a better way: truth and love held together in Christ.

We walk through 2 John’s practical warning about deception and false teachers and why discernment matters more than inspirational language or strong feelings alone. John’s instruction about not welcoming false teachers is not a call to cruelty. It is a call to wisdom about endorsement, influence, and what we help spread. That includes what we share online, what we recommend, and who we partner with in ministry. Christianity is not meant to be cold or distant, but it is meant to be clear. If your devotions have left you wrestling with emotions, questions, or the challenge of staying grounded in truth, this episode offers a steady place to pause and listen.

Then we move into 3 John, where everyday faithfulness takes center stage. Gaius shows us that hospitality, generosity, and encouragement can make you a fellow worker for the truth even without a platform. We also look at Diotrephes as a caution about pride and control, and Demetrius as a steady example of integrity and a good testimony. If you have wondered whether your quiet service matters, these letters answer with a resounding yes. This conversation is designed to support both your spiritual life and your daily walk, speaking to the real feeling of wanting to follow Christ with clarity, peace, and conviction.

Go deeper into these important letters in the companion printable resource at PaulaBehrens.com/store, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find faith-focused encouragement. And if you enjoy weaving simple devotions with calming practices like aromatherapy, essential oils, and moments of reflection around your feelings and faith, this episode will fit beautifully into your quiet time 

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Transcript

Big Questions About Belief

Paula Behrens 0:01

Have you ever felt challenged by other faiths and beliefs? Have you ever found yourself asking, how do I stand firm in what I believe when the world is so full of different voices, opinions, and spiritual paths? And have you ever wrestled with the tension of wanting to love others well while also staying rooted in the truth of God's Word? Today we're opening two of the shortest letters in the New Testament, and yet they carry such a timely message for believers who want their everyday life to reflect Jesus. We're talking about 2 and 3 John. These are brief letters, but they are so full of wisdom and truth. Stay tuned with me to the very end because I'm going to invite you to grab the companion printable Bible study resource that goes with this episode so you can keep reflecting on these letters in your own quiet time. Are you finding it difficult to figure out where God is leading you through the whirlwind of daily life? Perhaps, like me, you had moments of doubt, surprise encounters, and maybe even a bit of overwhelm along the way. Well, if that resonates with you and you're yearning for clarity, peace, and faith-focused encouragement, this podcast is for you.

Coaching Offer For Calm And Clarity

Paula Behrens 1:13

Hey friend, ever wonder how the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour uses pure natural scents to bring calm and clarity into your faith walk? Let me give you a quick overview. Before our session, you'll get a free essential oil sampler in the mail, carefully selected aromas to use on our call together, where we'll dive into the peace reset. First, I'll guide you through using these soothing aromas to ease emotional stress, quiet your mind, and align your heart with God's peace in just minutes. Then we'll spend a little time cultivating a simple rhythm that fits seamlessly into your busy life, small steps that add up without overwhelming your day. By the end, you'll feel refreshed, equipped, and ready to embrace more balance and faith as the mind connects the power of a pure and natural aroma with a deep sense of God's peace. Give yourself room to breathe. Head on over now to PaulaBehrens.com /coaching to book your spot. That's Paula Behrens, B E H R E N S .com /coaching (no spaces). It's time to take that simple step toward a calmer, more connected you. Before we dive in, I have a quick favor to ask. If this podcast has been a blessing to you or helped you grow in your walk with Christ, would you take a moment to leave a review? It only takes a minute, and your words help more women discover this space and be encouraged in their faith as well. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your support.

The Big Picture of 2 and 3 John

Paula Behrens 2:40

Let's begin the big picture. Both 2 and 3 John were written by the Apostle John, the same John who wrote the gospel. You can hear his voice in these letters right away. He writes like a spiritual father. His tone is warm, personal, clear, and deeply rooted in Christ. He's not interested in fancy language. He wants believers to stay grounded in what is true, to love one another well, and to walk faithfully in a world where deception and selfish ambition can quietly creep in. And that message still matters today. In his second letter, John writes to the elect lady and her children. Now some believe this refers to a specific Christian woman and her family, while others believe it points to a home church and its members. Either way, the message is clear and valuable. John is writing to believers he loves, and he opens his letter with both truth and love together. Truth

Truth and Love Belong Together

Paula Behrens 3:37

and love are not enemies. In Christ, they belong together. John says he loves them in the truth, and not only he, but all who know the truth. He speaks of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever. Right from the beginning, he's reminding us that Christianity is not built on shifting opinions, emotions, or cultural trends. It's built on the truth of Jesus Christ. That truth does not expire. It does not bend itself to fit the spirit of the age. It remains. That is important for believers today because many of us feel the pressure to either speak truth without tenderness or to show love without considering scripture. John shows us a better way, though. Real Christian love is rooted in truth, and real Christian truth is expressed through love. We need both. Love without truth can become vague and compromising. Truth without love can become harsh and uninviting. But truth wrapped in Christ-like love has power.

God's Children Walk In Truth

Paula Behrens 4:44

John then says he rejoiced greatly to find "some of her children walking in truth." What a beautiful phrase that is. Walking in truth. Not just believing truth in theory, not just hearing truth on Sunday, walking in it, living it, ordering your life by it, letting truth shape your choices, your relationships, your priorities, and your witness. Then John gives a command that is not new at all. He says, we should love one another. This is not a fresh idea he just came up with. It is the command believers had from the beginning. And then he defines love in a very practical way. Love means walking according to God's commandments. So again, John refuses to separate love from obedience. In our time, people often define love as approval, comfort, or emotional warmth, but biblical love is deeper than that. It honors God, it stays faithful to his ways, it does not ask us to abandon holiness in the name of kindness. Then John turns to a warning. He

John's Warning About Decievers

Paula Behrens 5:49

says, Many deceivers have gone out into the world. Some were denying the true humanity of Jesus. John says this kind of person is a deceiver and the Antichrist. Strong words, yes, but necessary words. Why? Because when you get Jesus wrong, you get the gospel wrong. And when the gospel is distorted, people are not helped. They are harmed. For us, this means discernment matters. Not every spiritual message is from God just because it sounds inspiring. Not every teacher who uses Christian language is faithful to Christ. Not every message about love, light, peace, our purpose is rooted in biblical truth. John tells believers to watch themselves so they do not lose what they have worked for, but may receive a full reward. He says that anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. That's a sobering reminder, isn't it? You know, that staying with Jesus means staying with his teaching. Then John says something else that might make us a little uncomfortable at first. He tells them not to receive false teachers into their house or give them any greeting, because whoever greets them takes part in their wicked works. This is not a command to be rude or unkind to unbelievers. It is a warning about supporting and endorsing those who actively spread false doctrine. In that day, traveling teachers often depended on the hospitality of believers. To host them could mean helping their influence spread. That is a modern application too. We need wisdom about what we promote, what we recommend, what we partner with, and whose teaching we amplify. Reaching others for Christ is not just about speaking, it's also about stewarding influence. John closes his second letter by saying he has more to say, but he prefers to speak face to face so that their joy may be complete. Isn't that precious? Even in a letter full of truth and warning, there is a relational warmth. Christianity is not meant to be cold and distant. There's a joy in shared fellowship, joy in honest conversation, joy in seeing one another walk faithfully. Now

Third John Supports The Gospel Work

Paula Behrens 8:07

let's move into third John. This letter is addressed to a man named Gaius, whom John loves in the truth. Again, truth and love show up together right away. John begins with a tender prayer. He says, Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you, and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul. That verse is often quoted because it reveals John's pastoral heart. He cares about the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. And then we get one of the most moving statements in the New Testament. John says, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. What brings spiritual joy? Not platform size, not applause, not popularity. It's seeing people truly live for Jesus. If you've ever discipled someone, prayed for someone, raised children, taught a Bible class, encouraged a friend, or poured into another believer, you know this joy. There is something truly beautiful about watching someone keep walking with God. John goes on to praise Gaius for his faithfulness in supporting fellow believers, especially traveling missionaries and teachers. These were fellow believers in Christ, even though they were strangers to him in one sense. Gaius had shown them hospitality and they had testified to his love before the church. John urges him to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. That phrase is so rich, isn't it? A manner worthy of God. In other words, the way you support gospel work should reflect the greatness and generosity of the God you serve. This is where 3 John becomes especially encouraging for everyday believers who wonder how they can personally reach others for Christ. Gaius may not have been the pulpit preacher in this story, but he was still a vital part of the mission. He opened his life, his home, and his resources to support those who are going out for the sake of the name of Jesus. John says believers ought to support people like these so that we may be fellow workers for the truth. Did you catch that? Fellow workers for the truth.

How to Share In God's Work

Paula Behrens 10:23

That means when you encourage a faithful servant of God, you are sharing in the work. When you support gospel ministry with prayer, generosity, hospitality, practical help, or even simple encouragement, you are not on the sidelines. You are participating. You are part of the reach of the gospel. For those of you who work from home, care for family, serve quietly, or wonder whether your hidden faithfulness matters, 3 John gives a resounding answer. Yes, it matters. The person who goes and the person who sends both matter. The person who teaches and the person who supports the teacher both matter. The person who ministers publicly and the person who opens the door, prepares the space, gives the gift, writes the note, shares the message, or prays in secret also matters. Then John introduces a sharp contrast. He mentions a man named Diotrephes who loves to put himself first. That one phrase tells us so much, doesn't it?

An Example To NOT Follow

Paula Behrens 11:24

Diotrephes wanted prominence. Here's someone who had influence, but instead of using it to serve, he used it to control. Instead of helping gospel work, he hindered it. Instead of welcoming faithful believers, he pushed them away. Pride had made him resistant, divisive, and self-focused. This is a needed warning for all of us. It's possible to be around church life and still act out of ego. It's possible to care more about being important than being faithful. It's possible to block what God wants to do because we want control, recognition, or comfort. Whether we lead in a church, a ministry, a business, a Bible study, or a family, we have to keep asking the Lord to make us humble and teachable. John's instruction is simple and strong. Do not imitate evil, but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God. Whoever does evil has not seen God. That is wonderfully plain, isn't it? There are examples we should not follow, and there are examples we should follow. Who is modeling Christ like faithfulness? Who is walking in truth? Who is using influence to serve rather than to dominate? Then

Carrying A Good Testimony

Paula Behrens 12:41

John mentions Demetrius, who has received a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself. It seems Demetrius was a faithful believer, likely the one carrying the letter. His life had integrity, his reputation matched the truth he professed. So in 3 John we see three examples. Gaius, who faithfully supports the work of the gospel, Diotrephes, who selfishly resists and disrupts it, and Demetrius, who quietly carries a good testimony. Each one invites us to examine our own life. Am I making room for truth? Am I helping others grow? Am I serving Christ with humility? Am I using what God has given me to bless and strengthen others? Now

Alētheia (ἀλήθεια) - Truth That Shapes Real Life

Paula Behrens 13:32

let's pause for a short Greek word study that ties beautifully into the heart of these letters. The word is alētheia (ἀλήθεια) , which means truth. Truth is not a side note for him, it is central. In simple terms, alētheia (ἀλήθεια) points to what is real, genuine, and unconcealed. It is the opposite of what is false, hidden, or deceptive. In these letters, truth is not merely correct information, it is deeply personal and spiritual. Truth is bound up in the person of Jesus Christ and in the message of the gospel. To walk in truth means more than agreeing with a statement of faith. It means your life is being shaped by what is real in Christ. Your relationships, your choices, your hospitality, your discernment, and your witness begin to line up with the truth you say you believe. That matters so much today because we live in a noisy world. Many voices compete for our attention. Many messages claim to be true, but John keeps bringing us back to this steady anchor. Truth is not whatever feels right in the moment. Truth is not whatever gains approval. Truth is what abides in Christ. And when truth abides in us, it gives us both courage and clarity. It helps us love wisely, serve faithfully, and reach others without losing our footing.

Everyday Ways To Reach Others

Paula Behrens 14:59

As we bring these two letters together, here is the heart of the message. Second John teaches us to hold tightly to the truth while walking in a love. Third John teaches us to actively support what is true and good so that the gospel can keep moving forward. Together, they remind us that reaching others for Christ is not just about public preaching, it is also about daily faithfulness. You reach others for Christ when you walk in truth at home. You reach others for Christ when your love is grounded in obedience to God. You reach others for Christ when you refuse to partner with deception. You reach others for Christ when you welcome and strengthen faithful believers. You reach others for Christ when you use your resources, influence, words, and time in a manner worthy of God. You reach others for Christ when your life carries a good testimony. Now these letters are short, but they are incredibly practical. They remind us that the Christian life is not only about what we say we believe, it's about how that belief shows up in everyday decisions. Who do I listen to? Who do I support? How do I treat people? What kind of example am I setting? Am I walking in truth? Am I helping truth travel well with others? These are questions we should all be asking. And if you've been wondering how God might use your life more personally to reach others, these letters offer simple, steady direction. Start with truth, stay rooted in Christ, love people well, practice discernment, support what is faithful, refuse the pull of ego, and live in a way that gives the truth a good name. There is something freeing about that.

Being a Good Influence

Paula Behrens 16:48

You don't have to manufacture influence. You don't have to force ministry into a shape that was never yours. You can be deeply useful in the kingdom by being faithful where God has placed you. A home can become a place of ministry, a conversation can become a moment of encouragement, a gift can become a seed that helps the gospel keep going. A faithful reputation can become a witness to the reality of Christ. John ends his third letter in the same way as the second. He says he has much to write, but he he hopes to see them soon so they can talk face to face. Then he closes with peace. That feels so fitting. Truth, love, hospitality, faithfulness, and peace. These are not rushed, flashy things, they are steady kingdom things. And friend, those

Printable Study Resource And Closing

Paula Behrens 17:46

steady kingdom things still matter very much. If this overview encouraged you and you want to go deeper into second and third John, I'd love to invite you to grab the companion printable study resource. You can find it by visiting my store at paulabehrens.com /store. That's Paula Behrens B E H R E N S .com /store (no spaces). You'll find it in the printable study resource section. Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and and leave a review so that we can reach even more listeners like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His Wisdom. See you next time.