R³ Devotional - Day 361
R³ Devotional - Day 361 - 2 John
By: Anderson Baptist Church
2 John is the shortest book in the Bible, but it packs a powerful punch regarding how we balance truth and love.
Real Life Principle
The Inseparable Bond of Truth and Love
In 2 John 1:1–6, the "Elder" (John) emphasizes that walking in the truth and walking in love are not two separate paths—they are the same road.
John teaches that biblical love is defined by obeying God’s commandments (the truth), and biblical truth is expressed through how we treat one another (love).
Relevant Applications
Discernment in Hospitality
John warns against welcoming "deceivers" who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. In a modern context, this means we must be careful about what influences we allow into our "house"—be it our physical homes, our social media feeds, or our church communities. We should be loving to all, but we do not have to give a platform to falsehood.
Protecting the "Doctrine of Christ"
The letter emphasizes that anyone who "runs ahead" and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God. We must apply a "filter" to the spiritual teaching we consume, ensuring it aligns with the foundational truth that Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh.
Ready Action Steps
Audit Your Entrances: Take an inventory of the voices you listen to most (podcasts, authors, influencers). Ask yourself: Do these voices align with the "doctrine of Christ," or are they "running ahead" into ideas that contradict Scripture?
Practice "Truth-Full" Love: The next time you have to have a difficult conversation, don't just "be nice" (which can be love without truth) or "be blunt" (which can be truth without love). Pray for the grace to speak the hard truth because you love the person.
Memorize the Definition: Commit 2 John 1:6 to memory this week: "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." Use this as your compass when you feel confused about how to love someone well.
Real Life Principle
The Inseparable Bond of Truth and Love
In 2 John 1:1–6, the "Elder" (John) emphasizes that walking in the truth and walking in love are not two separate paths—they are the same road.
- Truth without Love leads to legalism and harshness.
- Love without Truth leads to compromise and confusion.
John teaches that biblical love is defined by obeying God’s commandments (the truth), and biblical truth is expressed through how we treat one another (love).
Relevant Applications
Discernment in Hospitality
John warns against welcoming "deceivers" who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. In a modern context, this means we must be careful about what influences we allow into our "house"—be it our physical homes, our social media feeds, or our church communities. We should be loving to all, but we do not have to give a platform to falsehood.
Protecting the "Doctrine of Christ"
The letter emphasizes that anyone who "runs ahead" and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God. We must apply a "filter" to the spiritual teaching we consume, ensuring it aligns with the foundational truth that Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh.
Ready Action Steps
Audit Your Entrances: Take an inventory of the voices you listen to most (podcasts, authors, influencers). Ask yourself: Do these voices align with the "doctrine of Christ," or are they "running ahead" into ideas that contradict Scripture?
Practice "Truth-Full" Love: The next time you have to have a difficult conversation, don't just "be nice" (which can be love without truth) or "be blunt" (which can be truth without love). Pray for the grace to speak the hard truth because you love the person.
Memorize the Definition: Commit 2 John 1:6 to memory this week: "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." Use this as your compass when you feel confused about how to love someone well.
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