Discernment: A Study in 2 JohnSample

What does it say?

John addresses his second letter to "the elect lady and her children." This phrase more than likely refers to a local church congregation. His greeting emphasizes the connection between truth and love.

What does it mean?

When we show love without sharing truth, it is nothing more than feeling. If circumstances or people change, that love will evaporate like mist in the air. However, when we share truth without showing love, nobody will listen to our message. God's people must be rooted in truth and committed to loving others.

How should I respond?

How well do you share truth in love? Maybe you are tempted to love without truth. Take some time to pray for boldness and sincerity to share the truth of the gospel with those around you. If you struggle with sharing the truth without a commitment to love well, pray that God would deepen your affection for those around you. When God's people share truth in love, they invite people to believe the gospel and protect themselves from the deceptive schemes of false teachers.