3 John 8 KJV
[8] “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”
John says that we ought to contribute to men of God when they pass by our way, so that we can be fellow helpers in the ministry. I want you to see some reasons in this verse why it is so important to help the preacher.
First, because there are those who will not receive them. The command is given to receive the preacher, but there are many who will not obey the scriptures. There are people and churches who will not help meet their needs. A slap on the back or a “God bless you brother” may be encouraging, but it does not put food on the table or gas in the tank. Receiving men of God is more than word and tongue, it requires action.
Second, because they need our help. If the Bible encourages us to be fellowhelpers it is because preachers cannot carry the gospel as effectively without our help. Everyone cannot go to Africa, China, or India. Everyone cannot travel the countryside preaching week after week in churches. What everyone can do is give, so that others can continue to carry on the work that God has called them to do.
Finally, we should help the preacher because it is an opportunity for us to be a partner and to be involved. Let me close this thought by saying that we should help preachers through the local church, and under the leadership of the pastor and deacons. We should give our tithes and mission offerings faithfully, and pray for the pastor and deacons to know who to help, and when. As much as we may want to help everyone, we know in reality we cannot. God gives wisdom to those in leadership to know how to distribute according to the need. They will decide based on discernment, and not emotions. We must remember that preachers need our help more now than ever.