2 John

The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

In 2 John the writer of this epistle describes himself by his office, an "elder", and inscribes it to a certain "lady", which most likely is on account of her honor and riches; and by reason of her grace, "elect"; and to her children who were the objects of the apostle's love.  Then the apostle recommends to the readers faith and love (vs. 5-6). Next he warns them of deceivers and to take heed to themselves (vs. 7-8). In verses 10 & 11 the apostle teaches how to treat those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ.  The chapter concludes with the apostle excusing himself for the shortness of his letter, though he had many things to write unto her, yet would not, because he hoped shortly to visit her, and then would personally relate what he had to communicate to their mutual joy, and then ends the epistle with the salutation of her sister's children to her (vs.12-13).

What stands out to me today is how "love" is the indicator between truth and deception.  In other words, if we "love" (keep His Commandments) we can walk in truth, but if we do not love (believing who He is and what He said) we walk as deceivers.  The statement that Christians should love one another is a recurrent New Testament theme. Yet love for one's neighbor is an old command, first appearing in the third book of Moses (Leviticus 19:18). We can show love in many ways: by avoiding prejudice and discrimination, by accepting people, by listening, helping, giving, serving, and refusing to judge. Knowing God's command is not enough. We must put it into practice, walking "in obedience to His commands." (See also Matthew 22:37-39 and 1 John 2:7-8.)  It is no wonder that the words truth and love appears nine times in the first six verses.  The "truth" is the truth about Jesus Christ, as opposed to the lies of the false teachers (see 1 John 2:21-23).  The "love" is the love that reveals you are not a deceiver.

I pray that you continue to walk in truth and love.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader