2 John: A Short but Powerful Message of Love and Truth

2 John is like a postcard from a loving grandpa (the Apostle John) to his church family. Even though it’s the second shortest book in the Bible, it packs a powerful punch with its message of love, truth, and watchfulness.

Main Themes

• Walking in Truth: John emphasises the importance of living according to the truth, which means believing in Jesus and following God’s commands.
• Love One Another: True love is shown through obedience to God’s commands.
• Watch Out for Deceivers: John warns against false teachers who twist the truth about Jesus and lead people astray.

The Story

John, the elder, writes to “the elect lady and her children.” This could be a specific woman and her family, or it might be a symbolic way of referring to the church and its members. He expresses his joy at seeing them walking in truth and encourages them to continue loving one another. However, he also warns them about deceivers who are spreading false teachings. He urges them to stay true to what they have learned and to avoid associating with those who deny the truth about Jesus.

Key Verses

• 2 John 1:4: “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, as we received commandment from the Father.”
• 2 John 1:6: “And 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.”
• 2 John 1:10-11: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean to “walk in truth”?
2. How can we show love to others according to 2 John?
3. Why is it important to be watchful of deceivers?
4. What can we learn from John’s encouragement and warning?
5. How can we apply the message of 2 John to our lives today?

Challenge

Take some time to reflect on how you are living out the truth of Jesus in your life. Are you showing love to others? Are you being watchful of false teachings? Ask God to help you stay strong in your faith and to walk in obedience to His commands.