2 John: 1-13
1The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.
5But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.
7Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! 8Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; 11for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
12Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.
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Congratulations! You have just read through a whole book of the Bible! And be even prouder still because the writer of the letter 2 John, thinks you, as a member of Peace Lutheran Church, are “dear.” For the recipient of this letter—the “elect lady,” the “dear lady,” in this book of the Bible—is none other than a congregation of God’s people. Us.
And what does the writer say to the dear in this congregation? Despite what others are saying, he reminds them to “walk” in the way he has told them; walk in the way of “love” just as Jesus commanded them to do.
That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Part of the reason is that love isn’t built into us. We breathe, we sleep, our heart pumps—all without any training. Not so with love. We need to be trained and reminded.
So where does love start? Remember you and all of Peace members are “dear”—to God! The picture of how God loves us is laid out plainly in Jesus. “For God so loved the world…he gave His …Son” (John 3:16). You are God’s beloved! So now you do it: love your sister, love your brother, love your neighbor, love your spouse, God loves you; Christ shows you how love works. Now you love. Love, love, love.”
Prayer: Gracious God, help us throughout this day to remember that we are loved. Not only by friends, family, and spouses but you, the maker of heaven and earth. Amen.
–Pastor Mark Nelson