2 John 1:4-6 - Walk in Christ's Commandments: Truth and Love Devotional

Walking in Truth and Love: The Foundation of Jesus Christ

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.

If we wish to experience God's grace, mercy and peace, we must commit ourselves to His truth and communicate His love, by walking in Christ's commandments. Walk in truth and love.

What Does Walking in Truth Mean?

An Authentic Relationship with God Based on His Word

"Walking in truth" means having an authentic relationship with God. Our walk with the Lord if genuine must be based on His Word. (1:4)

Specifically, our walk with God is based on His commandment to love one another (see John 13:34-35).

Understanding God's Love Through His Commandments

Love as the Basis for Obedience

"This is love" God's love is the basis of His desire for our obedience, and it is the reason He has revealed His will through His commandments in His Word. We prove our obedience to Him by demonstrating love toward one another. Love is an unlimited resource readily available to us and is tremendously effective in furthering the work of Christ. (1:6)

The Two-Fold Commandment: Truth and Love

This "elect lady" of this epistle, (some believe was actually a local church, and the children are the church members), is commanded by the Apostle (2 John 1:4-6)

The commandment is actually two-fold.

A. Walk in Truth

B. Walk in Love (see also 2 John 1:3)

Why Truth and Love Must Not Be Separated

How important it is not to separate these two. To practice truth without love leads to legalism. To employ love without truth leads to liberalism.

Paul likewise combines these two (Ephesians 4:15), as did Jesus (John 1:14,17).

John's Warning: Watch Out for Evil and Self

John continues on in 2 John 1, to caution the Lady(the church), to: watch out for evil (2 John 1:7,9-11), and watch out for self (2 John 1:8).

Building on the Foundation of Jesus Christ: Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones

Receiving a Full Reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ

John wanted this beloved lady to receive a full reward for faithful service at the judgment seat of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:5-17).

"Experience this powerful worship song 'I Choose Christ' that beautifully captures the heart of walking in obedience to Christ's commandments of truth and love, as we explored in 2 John 1:4-6."

Truth and Love: The Eternal Materials That Survive Testing at the Judgment Seat of Christ

We are to Build on the solid rock foundation of Jesus Christ, in Truth and Love. These are the gold, silver and precious stones which will survive when tested by Jesus at the judgement seat of Christ.