In our ongoing series covering single-chapter Bible books, we discussed 2 John this week. This letter is believed to be from Apostle John to a church symbolised as a lady. Today, we’ll explore two vital words that encapsulate the gospel themes, christian life, and discipleship.
These 2 words appear 10 times in the letter, 5 times each: TRUTH and LOVE.
These words are very familiar but we need to be clear about ‘the Truth’ because we live in a world where truth is constantly up for debate and redefinition.
TRUTH
Amid phrases like “this is my truth, tell me yours” echoing the current spirit, we must return to Scripture.
THE ELDER TO THE ELECT LADY AND HER CHILDREN, WHOM I LOVE IN TRUTH, AND NOT ONLY I, BUT ALSO ALL WHO KNOW THE TRUTH, BECAUSE OF THE TRUTH THAT ABIDES IN US AND WILL BE WITH US FOREVER .
Here, John shows his love for them and talks about people who know the truth. All Christians are connected by this shared truth, something rooted deep within us. This Truth stays with us forever. While the world’s truths might shift, John suggests this Truth won’t change.
PILATE SAID TO HIM, “WHAT IS TRUTH?”
Pilate asks the wrong question here; it is better phrased: Who is the Truth?
JESUS SAID, “I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME
What an irony, Pilate is looking into the eyes of the Truth and asking the question! Yes, the Truth is Jesus. It is a person. The common bond we all share is Jesus. And by His Spirit, Jesus (truth) lives in us, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hence, it is critical that you know Jesus.
GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE WILL BE WITH US, FROM GOD THE FATHER AND FROM JESUS CHRIST THE FATHER'S SON, IN TRUTH AND LOVE
Grace, mercy, and peace, where do they come from? Without these the possibility of knowing truth and love is zero. God’s grace grants us undeserved favour. His mercy, not judgement, brings restoration and forgiveness. Through peace, we find wholeness, healing, and freedom.
REJOICED GREATLY TO FIND SOME OF YOUR CHILDREN WALKING IN THE TRUTH, JUST AS WE WERE COMMANDED BY THE FATHER
What does it mean to walk? It means to live it out. To live in the truth which is Jesus. Persevere daily, holding to truth, and allowing Jesus to shape us.
Is your daily step count in truth 10,000? Do you live Jesus’ truth 24/7, with Him as your Lord and role model?
LOVE
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
This is not a new command; it has been there since the very beginning of your Christian faith. It is a massive deal to love brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is how a watching world will know that you belong to Jesus, hence John reminds them of the crucial instruction from Jesus Himself. Live by obeying His command. Love one another, church.
The danger of splits and division within Christian communities is still an issue, it breaks the Father’s heart. We need to love, respect, forgive, and support each other. Sharing burdens and celebrating together is crucial.
How are we doing at this Windsor?
FOR MANY DECEIVERS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD, THOSE WHO DO NOT CONFESS THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE FLESH. SUCH A ONE IS THE DECEIVER AND THE ANTICHRIST
Some church members aimed to deceive by teaching false things about Jesus, denying His humanity and questioning His divinity. This undermines the cross. Such teaching reflects the spirit of the antichrist. Hence John strongly advises them to avoid those who undermine Jesus, as they spread confusion and wreck people.
It is so important we know and teach the Truth and abide in His love.
May we be people who love each other as we have been commanded to
May we be people who know the truth
May we be people who know Jesus, and who hold Him carefully and tightly in our life
