Truth and Love

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. (II John 6)

II John 1-6; Deut. 26:16; John 13:34-35 and 15:5-10

What Is God Saying?

John was an elder at the time of this letter, not only in the ecclesiastical sense, as it denotes an officer of importance in the church, but also in the chronological sense, for by this time, he was older. He was the last surviving companion. The firmness and tenderness of experience characterize all of his letters. He defends the truth with the conviction of one who has walked long in the way of truth and has seen the dangers, the deceits, and the emptiness of false doctrine. In verses 1-4, the word ‘truth’ appears five times. It was always on his mind. To hold on to truth and to be held by truth was the only defense against satanic lies that came like wolves in sheep's clothing (vs. 7). At the same time, the years he spent obeying Christ's great commandment to love has given him a mellowness of spirit that filters its way through everything he says. ‘Love’ also appears five times in this letter. Truth and love must go together. See how this relationship is underscored in verse 9: If you wander beyond the teaching of Christ, you will leave God behind.

How Does This Apply To Us?

II John is a gem with two facets-truth and love. As the light plays on these two concepts, they flash independently and blend together. Live by the truth of God, then live out the love of God. The best thing that can be said about us is that we live the truth and also love in truth.

Pray With Me

O Lord, how easily I say it. How hard it is to do it.

Love is obedience. Love is the response of a life. Yet, often, I think of it merely as the indulgence of a benevolent feeling. My love has sometimes consisted of words rather than works, sentiment rather than service, enjoyment rather than enlistment.

I would give up the notion that following Your commandments might earn the salvation that grace has given. Yet, Lord, I would give up with equal haste the thought that love can be an idle sentiment.

Let my love take to the road and lift the load. Let my love speak the difficult word and forgive the impossible wrong. Let my love sweep as a purifying flame through the rubble and ruin of a slumbering morality. Let my love give at least the same mercy it has obtained and pass along at least the same blessings it has received. Let my love walk. Let it not sit and stare. Let it not hesitate and debate. Let my love walk after Your commandments.

Let such love show me the way. Let such love go on the way with me. For Him whose love constrained Him to become obedient to death, even death on the Cross.

And for the sake of His glory. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He showed that love is something you do! Meditation in prayer is a good way to begin, but prayer must move love into our lives. When we have the truth of Christ that informs and the love of Christ that inspires, we have the building blocks of real prayer.