2 John 1:1-3

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.

This short letter gives us a summary of some of the most important teachings in Scripture.  In John 17 the apostle recorded for us the high priestly prayer of Jesus.  In that prayer, Jesus emphasized the importance of love and truth.  John repeats that theme here.  These two vital characteristics must be held in balance with one another.

THE PEOPLE: The elder clearly refers to John, the author of the book.  The elect lady and her children are the recipients of this letter.  This could refer to a specific lady in the church that regularly opened her home to host people.  It could also be referring to the church and the members of the church.  Whichever of the two, what is clear is that John is writing to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE PURPOSE: John wants to express his love for these believers and describes his love as a love in truth.  However, John is not alone in loving these believers, he states that all who know the truth also love.  All believers know the truth and respond to that truth by loving one another.  We are confirmed in that truth and are promised to abide in the truth forever.  All true believers will love faithfully and that love will endure.

THE PRAYER: John greets the believers with grace, mercy, and peace.  Because of God’s great grace and mercy we can experience peace with God and the peace of God.  These are gifts that are bestowed on believers by God the Father through Jesus Christ.  These are the gifts of true salvation and they come to us by the love of God.

APPLICATION: As believers in Christ, we must have an abiding love for the church.  Truth and love must go hand in hand in our lives.  We must never allow one to cancel the other.  Thank God for His grace, mercy and peace.

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