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2 John — walking in truth and love (and why you can't follow Jesus alone)
Dillon McCurdy · September 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Through 1 John, part 8 · 2 John
Someone who will direct and warn you (vv. 1–2)
"The elder: to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth." We're not certain whether John is writing to a specific woman and her household or to a church and its members. Either way, the apostle has taken special care and concern for this group. He wants to direct them and warn them.
Do you have people in your life who can do that for you? One of the devil's oldest lies is that you can and should do life on your own. The Christian life was never meant to be lived on an island. A lot of people struggle in following Jesus because they're trying to do it alone, and Scripture is clear about seeking counsel and living in community. Here's a practical test: name three people you can have a spiritual conversation with. If you can't, go find some.
John writes "because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever." He wants to defend the truth and keep it front and center. Studying Scripture with people who study Scripture keeps you aligned with it. And a word to the wise: often we want to win rather than be right. Seek the truth, not your own way.
Grace, mercy, and peace (v. 3)
"Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." This is what we should want for every believer, and it's what our hearts should be toward them. Is this what you pray other people will have? Grace, mercy, and peace only come from God.
Walking in truth (vv. 4–6)
"I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, in keeping with a command we have received from the Father." Walking in the truth is walking in the Father's command — and that should be our personal goal and the goal we hand to our children: seek the Father and walk in His ways.
"So now I ask you, dear lady — not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning — that we love one another. This is love: that we walk according to his commands." All of the Father's commands are wrapped up in this one behavior. It's the oldest command and the most basic, and yet it needs to be freshly taught and frequently recalibrated in our lives.
Deceivers (v. 7)
"Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist." Those who deny that Jesus is the Christ are not from God, they don't speak the truth, and they're contrary to Jesus and the Father.
Don't lose what was won (v. 8)
"Watch yourselves so you don't lose what we have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward." So much has been given so that we could have the faith and the opportunities we have. People died carrying the gospel forward. People died defending the truth. Would you be willing to? And what are you doing to pass the truth on — to your children, to those you disciple, to your family? Are you handing it to anyone?
Who has the Father (v. 9)
"Anyone who does not remain in Christ's teaching but goes beyond it does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son." Those who follow Jesus and make Him King of their lives are truly His. Those who forsake Him and deny Him are not. Do you have the Father and the Son?
No platform for false teaching (vv. 10–11)
"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and do not greet him; for the one who greets him shares in his evil works." We're not to support or encourage those who teach false doctrine. When we cheer on people who are contrary to the Father, we take part in their wrongdoing. Kindness to a person is one thing; lending your house and your blessing to their message is another.
Face to face (vv. 12–13)
"Though I have many things to write to you, I don't want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face so that our joy may be complete." Do you seek to mentor and disciple other believers? Are you growing in your own faith so you can help someone else in theirs? Does talking about Jesus with other people give you joy?
"The children of your elect sister send you greetings." John had rich fellowship with other believers. Who do you fellowship with, and what does it consist of? Do you talk about Jesus? Do you share what He's doing in your life? You can't share something you don't really have. People can fake it for a while — but people who are truly walking with Jesus can't help talking about Him.
One more thing, and it splits two ways. If you've never actually trusted Jesus — you like the truth part and the love part and the people part, but you've never come to Him yourself. You can't walk in truth until you meet Him, because He is the truth. He died in your place, He came out of the tomb, and He takes in everybody who asks Him to. Ask Him. Don't hand it off to a family name or a group you sit with. It's yours to do.
The other one is saved and doing it alone. Fix that this week. Not someday. This week. Pick one believer you already know, text them, and get across a table from them face to face. Paper and ink weren't enough for John, and a screen isn't enough for you. Talk about Jesus for ten minutes. If you can't find anything to say about Him, that's information too.