2 John 1:6

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.”

Context:The book of 2 John is a short letter written by the apostle John to a chosen lady and her children. It emphasizes the importance of love and obedience to God’s commandments.

Love as Obedience:The verse begins by stating, And this is love. Love is a central theme in Christianity, and here, John defines love in terms of obedience to God’s commandments. Love is not merely an emotional feeling but is demonstrated through our actions and obedience to God.

Walking after His Commandments:The verse continues, that we walk after his commandments. To walk in this context means to live, conduct ourselves, or behave. Walking after God’s commandments implies aligning our lives with His instructions and living according to His will.

The Commandment:The verse further explains, This is the commandment. The singular form indicates a specific commandment that encompasses all of God’s commandments. John is highlighting a fundamental commandment that encompasses the entire body of God’s instructions.

Heard from the Beginning:John then refers to the commandment that the recipients have heard from the beginning. This phrase suggests that the commandment he is referring to has been taught to them since their initial encounter with the Christian faith. It likely encompasses the teachings of Jesus and the foundational principles of Christianity.

Walking in It:The verse concludes, ye should walk in it. John urges the readers to continue walking or living in obedience to this commandment. It implies a continuous lifestyle characterized by faithful adherence to God’s instructions.

• Love is not just a feeling; it is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments.
• Walking after God’s commandments means aligning our lives with His instructions and living according to His will.
• There is a specific commandment that encompasses the entirety of God’s instructions.
• The commandment has been taught to believers from the beginning, reflecting the foundational teachings of Christianity.
• Believers are encouraged to continue walking in obedience to this commandment.

By studying and applying these principles, we can deepen our understanding of love and obedience, and strive to live in accordance with God’s will.