Anyone who does what is good is from God

We know that in this world there are two kinds of people, one is that who does good, and another is that who does evil. We can see that the evil in humanity is increasing and this is because they are not submerged in the justice of God.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

3 John 1:11

The word of God says that “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold”, this lets us understand that people who do not have love can not do good, because the love of Christ is not in them.

John exhorts us not to practice evil because this is not to God’s liking, we know that everything bad comes from satan who seeks people to do all kinds of atrocities.

A man who is out of the presence of the Lord can commit any kind of evil, and this is because he is being led by the evil one.

The Spiritual Battle for the Human Heart

Understanding the nature of spiritual warfare is essential to grasping why John makes such a sharp distinction between those who do good and those who do evil. The human heart serves as a battlefield where the influence of the Holy Spirit and the temptations of the adversary collide. When a person lacks a deep, personal connection with the justice of God, they become vulnerable to the shifting tides of worldly morality. This is not a passive state; rather, it is a deliberate choice to ignore the divine compass that leads toward righteousness.

The wickedness in the world today is a direct reflection of humanity’s refusal to acknowledge the sovereignty of the Creator. Without the anchor of faith, individuals are easily swayed by greed, pride, and the pursuit of selfish desires. The love of Christ acts as a transformative power that fundamentally changes how a person interacts with others. When this love is absent, the void is inevitably filled by the works of the flesh, leading to a breakdown in communal and personal integrity. To practice good, one must first be filled with the source of all goodness, which is only found through total surrender to God’s will.

The Consequences of a Cold Heart

When the scriptures speak about love growing cold, they are describing a process of spiritual desensitization. This happens when individuals repeatedly choose to ignore their conscience and the promptings of the Spirit. Over time, the ability to feel empathy, to act with compassion, and to value justice diminishes. A cold heart is a dangerous place, as it allows a person to justify behaviors that are clearly contrary to the teachings of Jesus. In this state, “evil” is no longer recognized as such, but is instead reframed as personal liberty or survival of the fittest.

The increase of wickedness is fueled by this lack of spiritual warmth. We see it in the way society treats the vulnerable, in the casual acceptance of dishonesty, and in the normalization of violence. However, the believer is called to be the thermostat, not the thermometer. We are meant to change the spiritual atmosphere by bringing the warmth of God’s love into every situation. This requires a constant vigilance and a refusal to let the darkness of the world dim our inner light. By remaining submerged in the word, we keep our hearts soft and our actions aligned with the kingdom of heaven.

Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

3 John 1:12

When we speak of someone’s good and give a good testimony of that person, it is because he is doing all that is good and is practicing God’s justice with others. In this case, John is talking about Demetrio, this man was an example for others for the good works he did.

When we do good works our spirit testifies for us, because God likes us to practice justice with others, remember that God is love and everyone who loves has known God, because God is love.

The Legacy of Demetrius: A Model of Integrity

The mention of Demetrius in the Third Epistle of John serves as a powerful reminder that integrity is visible. In a world where many seek to hide their true intentions behind masks of piety, Demetrius stood out because his actions were consistent with the truth. His life was not a series of isolated good deeds, but a continuous stream of righteous living. This is the essence of a “good testimony.” It is not something we claim for ourselves; it is the natural byproduct of living a life that honors God in the secret places as much as in the public square.

John highlights that Demetrius was well spoken of by everyone, but most importantly, by the truth itself. This suggests that his character was so deeply rooted in the Gospel that the very principles of the Bible confirmed his worthiness. For the modern believer, this challenges us to evaluate our own “testimony.” If the truth were to testify about our daily choices, our professional ethics, and our private thoughts, would it agree with the persona we present to the church? The justice of God requires an internal alignment where our spirit and our actions speak the same language of holiness.

Building a Testimony Through Consistency

Building a reputation like that of Demetrius does not happen overnight. It is the result of daily faithfulness in the small things. Each time we choose honesty over a convenient lie, or kindness over a sharp retort, we are laying another brick in the foundation of our testimony. In the context of the early church, where persecution was a real threat, having a man like Demetrius was invaluable. He provided a stable, reliable example of what it meant to follow Christ under pressure. He was a pillar of the faith because he understood that his life was the only Bible some people would ever read.

Practicing justice with others is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate the character of God. This involves treating every person with the dignity they deserve as image-bearers of the Creator. It means standing up for the oppressed, being fair in business dealings, and showing mercy even when it is not deserved. When we operate in this manner, we are not just doing “nice” things; we are actively participating in the redemptive work of God on earth. Our spirit testifies that we belong to Him because we are doing the things that He does.

When we meditate on the apostle John’s exhortation, we realize that the battle between good and evil is not merely external—it is deeply spiritual. Human beings are not naturally inclined toward righteousness; Scripture teaches that without God, the human heart is deceitful and inclined toward darkness. This is why the world is filled with injustice, violence, hatred, envy, and corruption. People who are not guided by the Spirit of God fall easily into the traps of the enemy. Evil becomes normal to them, and the conscience becomes insensitive over time. But for those who have been redeemed by Christ, the call is radically different. We are called to imitate good, not because we are good in ourselves, but because the goodness of God now dwells in us through His Spirit.

The Transformation of the Human Inclination

The theological reality that humans are not naturally inclined toward righteousness is often a difficult pill to swallow. However, understanding this truth is the first step toward genuine spiritual growth. The Bible describes the “natural man” as being at enmity with God. This means that our default setting, apart from divine intervention, is self-preservation and self-exaltation. This internal drive is what fuels the injustice and violence we see in the headlines every day. To overcome this, a radical transformation is required—a “new birth” that replaces our stony hearts with hearts of flesh that are sensitive to the Spirit of God.

This transformation is not a self-help project. It is an act of divine grace. When the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a believer, He begins the work of sanctification, which is the process of making us more like Christ. This is why we are called to “imitate good.” We are looking at the ultimate model of goodness—Jesus Christ—and allowing His life to be the blueprint for our own. The goodness of God is not a static quality; it is an active, pursuing force that seeks to heal the broken and restore the lost. As we cooperate with the Spirit, our natural inclination toward darkness begins to fade, replaced by a hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Escaping the Trap of Normalizing Evil

One of the most subtle ways the enemy works is through the normalization of evil. When a society repeatedly sees corruption, immorality, and hatred, the shock value wears off. What was once considered shameful becomes acceptable, and eventually, it is celebrated. This is the “insensitive conscience” that John warns against. For the believer, staying sensitive to God’s voice is a matter of spiritual survival. We must consciously choose to reject the standards of the world and hold ourselves to the standard of the Word. This often makes us “aliens and strangers” in our own culture, but it is the only way to remain unsullied by the world.

Rejecting evil involves more than just avoiding “big sins.” It means rooting out the subtle forms of wickedness like pride, gossip, and bitterness. It involves a daily renewal of the mind, where we wash ourselves in the scriptures to keep our perspective clear. When we allow Christ to transform us, we gain a new set of eyes. We start to see people and situations through the lens of eternity. This allows us to respond to evil with good, to hatred with love, and to darkness with light. This is the radical calling of the Christian life: to be a living contradiction to the hopelessness of the world.

The example of Demetrius shows us that it is possible to shine in the midst of a corrupt world. His testimony was not only acknowledged by people but confirmed by “the truth itself,” meaning that his life was in harmony with the teachings of Christ. What a powerful lesson for us: our lives should speak even when our mouths are silent. The world desperately needs believers whose conduct reflects the character of God, believers whose actions reveal honesty, compassion, humility, and justice. A person who walks with God becomes a light wherever they go, exposing darkness simply by living according to truth. This is not about pretending to be perfect, but about allowing Christ to transform us so that His goodness flows naturally through our decisions and relationships.

Walking in Truth: The Power of a Silent Witness

There is a profound power in a silent witness. While verbal proclamation of the Gospel is necessary, it is often our actions that provide the “proof of concept” for the world. When a person lives a life of honesty and humility, they create a magnetic pull that draws others toward the truth. People are naturally skeptical of words, but they find it difficult to argue with a life that has been visibly changed by the grace of God. Demetrius didn’t need to shout from the rooftops to be known as a good man; his consistent character did the talking for him.

To walk in truth means to have a life that is “integrated”—where there is no gap between what we believe and how we behave. This spiritual integration is what gives a believer authority in the world. When we demonstrate justice and compassion in our everyday interactions, we are effectively exposing the hollowness of the world’s ways. Darkness cannot coexist with light; when we enter a room filled with negativity and strife, our peaceful presence should be enough to shift the atmosphere. This is the “aroma of Christ” that the Apostle Paul wrote about—a fragrance that is life-giving to those who are seeking God.

Reflecting the Divine Character in Modern Society

In our current fast-paced, digital society, the need for authentic character is greater than ever. We live in an era of “personal branding,” where people carefully curate their public images. However, the believer is called to authenticity, not branding. We are called to reflect the character of God, which is unchanging and absolute. This means being the same person on social media that we are in our homes. It means maintaining integrity in business even when it costs us a profit. These are the modern “good works” that verify our testimony to a watching world.

When we allow the goodness of Christ to flow through us, we become conduits of His mercy. This flow is natural, not forced. It is the result of “abiding in the vine.” When we are deeply connected to Jesus, His attributes start to manifest in us. We find ourselves being patient with difficult people, being generous with our resources, and being firm in our convictions. This is how we shine as lights. We don’t have to try to “be” the light; we simply have to stay close to the Source of light, and the reflection will happen automatically. This is the beauty of the transformed life.

Practicing Justice in Small Decisions

Justice is often viewed in terms of major court cases or international human rights, but for the believer, practicing justice starts in the mundane details of life. It is the decision to give credit to a colleague for their hard work. It is the choice to speak up when someone is being unfairly maligned in a conversation. It is the commitment to be a faithful steward of the resources God has entrusted to us. These small acts of justice are the seeds that grow into a forest of righteousness. They prove that we value God’s standards above our own comfort or reputation.

Every decision we make is an opportunity to either imitate what is good or what is evil. There is no neutral ground. By choosing the path of God’s justice, we are actively resisting the “increase of wickedness” mentioned in the scriptures. We are standing as a bulwark against the tide of indifference. This requires spiritual courage, as the world will often mock those who live by a higher standard. But like Demetrius, we can be confident that if we are well spoken of by the truth, we have all the validation we need.

Ultimately, doing good is not optional for the believer—it is the evidence of a transformed heart. Jesus said that a tree is known by its fruit, and the fruit of a life rooted in God will always be righteousness. Good works do not save us, but they reveal who our Father is. When we forgive instead of holding grudges, when we help instead of ignoring, when we speak truth instead of lies, our lives become testimonies of God’s love. The world is watching, and many will come to Christ not because of sermons they heard, but because of the Christlike character they witnessed in His people. Therefore, let us commit ourselves each day to reject evil and pursue what is good, so that our lives may glorify the One who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

The Fruit of Righteousness and the Witness of the Church

The metaphor of the tree and its fruit is one of the most practical ways to understand the Christian life. Just as a healthy apple tree cannot help but produce apples, a heart truly rooted in the love of God will inevitably produce the fruit of righteousness. This fruit is not produced by human effort or willpower; it is the natural expression of the new nature we have received in Christ. When we talk about “good works,” we are talking about the visible evidence of an internal reality. If there is no change in behavior, no desire for justice, and no growth in love, we must honestly question the depth of our connection to the Root.

The testimony of God’s love is most powerful when it is seen in action. The world is full of religious rhetoric, but it is starving for Christlike character. When the church functions as it should—forgiving one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and serving the community—it becomes an irresistible force. This is how the early church turned the world upside down. They didn’t have political power or massive wealth; they had the presence of the Lord and a commitment to doing good. Their lives glorified God so brightly that even their enemies had to acknowledge there was something different about them.

Rejecting Evil as a Daily Commitment

Rejecting evil is a proactive stance. It is not just the absence of bad behavior; it is the active pursuit of everything that is holy and pleasing to God. This requires a daily commitment to die to self and live for Christ. We must put on the “armor of God” to stand against the schemes of the evil one, who is constantly looking for ways to compromise our testimony. Whether it is through the temptation of pride, the lure of worldly success, or the weight of discouragement, the enemy wants to stop us from practicing God’s justice. But we have been given the victory through Christ Jesus.

As we pursue what is good, we find that our joy and peace increase. There is a deep satisfaction that comes from knowing we are walking in the will of the Father. This is the grace and peace that John often wished for his readers. It is a peace that surpasses understanding because it is not dependent on external circumstances. Even in the midst of a world where wickedness is increasing, we can remain steady, focused on the marvelous light of Christ. Our lives are the lanterns that carry this light into the dark corners of the world, offering hope to those who are still lost in the shadows.

Final Exhortation: Living for the Glory of God

The ultimate goal of our lives is to glorify God. Everything we do—from the way we conduct ourselves in private to the way we interact with the public—should be directed toward this end. When we choose to imitate good, we are pointing the world toward the Good Shepherd. We are saying, “Look at what God can do with a surrendered heart.” We are proving that His ways are better, His truth is higher, and His love is stronger than anything the world has to offer. This is the calling of every believer.

Let us be like Demetrius, whose life was in such harmony with the truth that even the truth itself testified in his favor. Let us be people of integrity, justice, and love. As we move forward, let us remember that we are not alone. The Spirit of God is within us, empowering us to do what we could never do on our own. He provides the wisdom to discern evil and the strength to choose good. By His grace, our lives will be a beautiful reflection of His character, drawing many into the warmth of His presence and the safety of His kingdom forevermore.

In conclusion, the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day. While the world may seem to be descending into further darkness, the church of Christ has the opportunity to shine with unprecedented brilliance. By rejecting the practices of the evil one and fully embracing the justice of God, we become the ambassadors of a different kingdom. Our mission is clear: to love as He loved, to serve as He served, and to live in a way that makes the glory of God visible to all humanity.