Today’s Tasting: 2, 3 John
2 John is a letter Paul wrote to a woman he knows through his ministry, reminding her of the commandment to walk in love. He also warns her to beware of deceivers in the church and to be careful not to entertain them.
3 John is addressed to an individual named Gaius whom John loves as a brother. He commends Gaius for walking in the truth, and for his generosity toward those who are working to spread the gospel. Then, John asks Gaius not to follow the example of Diotrephes, who Paul says is self-serving and refusing to accept John’s authority as a leader in the church.
Today’s Nourishment: In both of these letters to believing individuals, John is concerned with practical application of the commandment to love one another. In 2 John:6, he tells the lady to whom he writes, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.” John is repeating the words of our Lord to His disciples, which he has described in his Gospel account.
“If you love Me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
“He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21).
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23).
With these words, Jesus makes it clear that love for God is more than an emotion. Rather, love for God is active obedience to His word. Those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ should think carefully about how we show our love for Him. We should study the Scriptures to learn how to walk in obedience to what He has told us to do.
I hope that over the past year this blog has served to encourage you on your journey of faith and obedience.
Lord, I pray that You would strengthen us who call ourselves Your followers to be obedient to Your word. May each person reading this blog be quick to obey Your commandments, to ask Your forgiveness when we fall short, and to seek always to show love to others in Your name. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Revelation 1-5
Joanne Creary
Well Woman Coaching LLC
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