2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
2 John 1:6 (KJV)
Context
The apostle John writes to “the elect lady and her children” (2 John 1:1), urging them to hold fast to truth and love. In the preceding verse he reminds them of the commandment they had from the beginning: to love one another. Immediately after this verse, he warns against deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This setting shows that love and truth belong together; obedience to God’s commandments is not opposed to sound doctrine but flows from it.
Meaning
John defines love in a striking way: “And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.” Love is not primarily a feeling but a way of life. In Scripture, “walk” describes one’s daily conduct. To walk after God’s commandments means to order our habits, decisions, and relationships by His revealed will. The second half of the verse identifies the specific commandment: “That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.” This is the apostolic teaching they received at conversion—faith in Christ and love for one another. It is not a new or burdensome requirement but the core ethical demand of the Christian faith.
Biblical connections
John’s words echo 1 John 5:3, where he writes that the love of God is shown by keeping His commandments. Love and obedience are inseparable. The commandment to love one another also recalls the Lord’s words in John 13:34. This is not legalism; it is the joyful response of a heart transformed by God’s love. Obedience is the test of love, and it guards against the error of thinking that grace sets aside the need to follow Christ.
Application
Examine your walk. Does your daily conduct reflect genuine love for God? Obedience is not mere rule-keeping; it flows from affection for Him. Let the commandment heard from the beginning—the gospel call to faith and love—shape your decisions and relationships. Walk in it, and you will walk in love.
Reflection
John’s words call us to a love that is concrete and practical. As we walk after God’s commandments, we demonstrate that we have truly heard and received His word. This is the path of love, and it remains the believer’s calling in every generation.
