Can love exist without truth — or does love lose its meaning when truth is abandoned?
Key Verse:
“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.” —2 John 1:6 NASB
Background Context:
2 John is a short but urgent letter written by the apostle John to “the chosen lady and her children,” likely referring to a local church and its members. John writes as a shepherd concerned for the spiritual well-being of believers living in a time when false teachers were actively spreading deception about Jesus Christ.
This letter builds directly on the themes of 1 John, emphasizing that love and truth must remain inseparable. John encourages believers to walk in obedience while warning them not to support or welcome those who distort the truth of Christ.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Walk According to His Commandments
1The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2for the sake of the truth which 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 Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. 5Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
12Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.
13The children of your chosen sister greet you.
Reflection on 2 John:
John begins by affirming his love for the church — a love grounded in truth. This is not emotional attachment or sentimentality, but love shaped and sustained by God’s revealed truth. John makes it clear that truth is not optional for believers; it is foundational to Christian fellowship.
He defines love plainly: love is walking according to God’s commandments. This echoes Yeshua’s own teaching that love for God is demonstrated through obedience. Love is not defined by cultural standards or personal feelings, but by faithful submission to God’s Word.
John then turns to a strong warning. Many deceivers have gone out into the world, denying core truths about Jesus Christ. John instructs believers not to extend hospitality or endorsement to those who promote false teaching. This is not a call to cruelty, but to discernment. Supporting false teachers — even in the name of love — makes one complicit in spreading deception.
This instruction challenges modern assumptions. Love does not mean affirming error. Love does not require tolerance of lies. True love protects God’s people from being led astray and remains faithful to truth even when it is uncomfortable.
John also emphasizes boundaries. Fellowship is built on shared truth. When truth is rejected, fellowship cannot remain intact. Refusal to support false teaching is not unloving — it is obedience.
The letter closes with a reminder of personal connection and fellowship. John prefers face-to-face encouragement rather than endless words. Love expressed in truth flourishes best in real, faithful relationships.
2 John reminds us that walking in truth is an act of love — toward God, toward the church, and toward those at risk of deception.
Application:
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Define love biblically. Love is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commands.
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Walk in truth consistently. Truth is the foundation of Christian fellowship.
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Practice discernment. Not every message claiming to be from God is true.
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Set healthy boundaries. Love does not require supporting false teaching.
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Protect the body of Christ. Guard against deception with wisdom and faithfulness.
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Value faithful fellowship. Truth-filled relationships strengthen spiritual joy.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for revealing truth that anchors our faith and shapes our love. Help me walk in obedience, guided by Your Word rather than cultural pressure. Give me discernment to recognize error, courage to refuse compromise, and humility to love others according to Your truth. May my life reflect faithfulness to You and protection for Your people. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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