JULY 25, 2026 – WALKING IN THE TRUTH

READ: 2 John 4–6: … This is love, that we walk according to His commandments …

In the church both love and truth must be evident; in this way we grow towards Christ. Eph. 4:15: “speaking the truth in love.” John rejoices that there are church members who are walking in the truth. Not all, but “some of your children.”

What is it to “walk in the truth”? It is a walk of life, conduct, and speech in which it becomes evident that you know Christ and keep His commandments (cf. 1 John 1:6,7; 2:6).

John writes: “according to the commandment which we have received from the Father.” The truth is law and gospel together. Here especially the commandment to believe in Christ as the Son of God and to love the brethren. John knows himself to be equally addressed as he places this before the congregation. It can only become evident through a living faith.

For the whole congregation (“lady”) it applies: “I plead with you, let us love one another.” John again includes himself (“we … one another”). Loving one another is not according to our natural inclination; we are inclined to hate one another.

In many other letters as well, the congregation is exhorted to show mutual brotherly love: Rom. 12–15; 1 Cor. 13; 16:14; Gal. 5; Eph. 4; Phil. 1–2; Col. 3:14; 1 Thess. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8.

John emphasizes that this is no new commandment for the congregation, but one that has always been set forth in the preaching (cf. John 13:34). Yet it is a difficult commandment. Obeying this command is possible only if the Lord Himself gives His love and pours it into our hearts by His Spirit (Rom. 5:5).

What then is true love? It is a desire to walk according to His loving commandments. That requires acknowledging God as your loving Father and rendering obedience to Him. Now that God has given us the Son of His love to demonstrate His love toward us, He specifically requires that we show Christ in our lives—not merely by confessing Him with our mouth, but also by showing in our walk that we have communion with Him.

Then we “walk” according to His commandments, sincerely and out of love for Him, especially by showing love toward our neighbor, our brothers and sisters.

How do you give shape to this commandment within the congregation?
Singing: Ps. 25:5