Walking in Truth and Love: A Devotional on 2 John and 3 John
December 22
Scripture: 2 John and 3 John (NIV)
In 2 John and 3 John, the apostle John addresses specific individuals within the early Christian community, emphasizing the importance of walking in truth and love. In 2 John, John warns against false teachers and urges believers to abide in the truth of Christ's teachings. In 3 John, John commends Gaius for his hospitality and support of fellow believers, while cautioning against the divisive actions of Diotrephes.
In 2 John, John writes to "the chosen lady and her children," likely referring to a specific church community, warning them about deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. He urges them to abide in the teachings of Christ and to be discerning in welcoming others into their fellowship. John emphasizes the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and warns against supporting those who promote false teachings.
An important verse in 2 John is verse 9:
"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son."
Here, John underscores the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ. This verse reminds believers to prioritize sound doctrine and to be cautious of those who deviate from the truth of the gospel.
In 3 John, John writes to Gaius, commending him for his faithful support of traveling missionaries and fellow believers. He praises Gaius for his hospitality and generosity, exemplifying the spirit of love and hospitality within the Christian community. However, John also addresses the divisive actions of Diotrephes, who refuses to welcome traveling missionaries and opposes John's authority.
An important verse in 3 John is verse 11:
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."
Here, John encourages believers to imitate what is good and to reject what is evil. This verse reminds us of the importance of living lives characterized by righteousness and love, reflecting the character of God to the world.
Both 2 John and 3 John emphasize the themes of truth, love, hospitality, and discernment within the Christian community. These letters serve as reminders for believers to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, to show love and hospitality towards one another, and to be discerning in recognizing and rejecting falsehood.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We thank You for the teachings of Christ that guide us in truth and righteousness.
Help us to remain faithful to Your Word and to reject falsehood and deception.
May we imitate what is good and show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting Your character to the world. Give us discernment to recognize and oppose evil, and may Your love and truth shine through us in all that we do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
