Today’s Reading: 2 John, Psalm 119:9-16

This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth — as does everyone else who knows the truth — because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever. – 2 John 1-2

Let’s lean into the idea of truth this morning. John is writing to the church, whom he loves in the truth. What is this sense of community we feel among believers? It is the truth living within us that unites us, and it is from the active presence of the truth in our lives that we love one another. It is not a temporary emotion or a fleeting response, but a powerful presence that stays with us forever.

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ — the Son of the Father — will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. – 2 John 3

Grace, mercy and peace. Once we have experienced the power of grace, mercy and peace, we know with confidence the difference that God is making in our lives. I never want to lose the undeserved privilege of God’s grace; I never want to forget the impact of His mercy. I don’t want to go back to a life void of God’s peace. But consider what John meant when he spoke of living in truth AND love.

How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded. I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. – 2 John 4-5a

When we live according to the truth found in scripture, God’s Spirit gives us peace. Leaning on what the world defines as truth, or creating my own truth, means Jesus is no longer my cornerstone — my Solid Rock. Truth is not a fluid notion but a solid foundation on which I can stand with confidence.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. – 2 John 5-6

When I begin to redefine God’s commands or weaken the authority of scripture, I find reasons not to love. My truth of woundedness, the lens of my victim mentality, gives me permission to choose whom I will love and who I am allowed to hate. But I cannot live with the benefit of grace and mercy if I am not willing to extend the same grace and mercy to another person. While the world wants to cater to our rights, Jesus wants us to place them in His hands and experience His peace.

I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. – 2 John 7-9

I want to remain in the teaching of Christ; I want to stand on the word of God in confidence. But I need to know God’s truth in order to live by it. I need to spend more time saturating in the scripture than I spend absorbing the ideas of the world. I need to guard my heart and my mind against false teaching. The world wants us to believe that love trumps truth, but God has called us to live in truth AND love.

For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. – 2 Corinthians 13:8

I encourage you to take a minute to read the prayer of the psalmist aloud. Make it your prayer to God today, finding your way to God through His holy Word.

How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word. – Psalm 119:9-16