2 John 1:5

“And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.”

Context:Before we delve into the verse itself, let’s first understand the context of 2 John. This short letter, written by the apostle John, is addressed to a “lady” or a chosen woman and her children. It emphasizes the importance of walking in truth, abiding in love, and discerning false teachings. In verse 5, John highlights the commandment to love one another.

Love as an Essential Commandment:John starts by assuring the recipient that he is not introducing a new commandment. Rather, he reminds them of a commandment they had received “from the beginning.” The commandment John refers to is the commandment to love one another, which Jesus Himself taught during His ministry (John 13:34-35). This commandment was not new, as it was rooted in the Old Testament law (Leviticus 19:18). However, Jesus elevated it by emphasizing the selfless, sacrificial love believers should have for one another.

Love as the Mark of True Discipleship:John emphasizes the significance of love as the distinguishing characteristic of genuine disciples of Jesus Christ. In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” Love is the litmus test of our faith. It is the tangible expression of our relationship with God and the evidence of the Holy Spirit working within us.

Love that Transcends Circumstances:The command to love one another is not dependent on favourable circumstances or personal preferences. It is an unconditional love that should extend to all believers, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, or personalities. As followers of Christ, we are called to love even those who may be difficult to love or have different perspectives from ours.

Application:How can we apply 2 John 1:5 to our lives today?

• Love as a Priority:We should prioritise and actively practice love in our relationships within the Christian community.
• Faithful to the Truth:While love is crucial, it should not compromise the truth of God’s Word. We should discern false teachings and hold fast to the genuine teachings of Christ.
• Genuine Love in Action:Love is not merely an emotion but an action. We should demonstrate love practically by showing kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and selflessness to others.
• Unity and Fellowship:By obeying the command to love one another, we foster unity and strengthen our fellowship as believers. This unity testifies to the world of the transforming power of Christ.

Remember, love is a central theme in the Bible, and as believers, we are called to embody the love of Christ in our relationships. Through love, we reflect the nature of God and fulfil His commandments.

Note: Whilst the above study provides insights into the verse based on its historical and biblical context, interpretations may vary among individuals and denominations.