“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).
TEXT — 2 John 1:1-7
Message
Bits & Pieces, August 22, 1991, featured the story of a woman who sought counsel from Dr. George W. Crane, the psychologist. She confided that she hated her husband, and intended to divorce him. “I want to hurt him all I can,” she declared firmly. “Well, in that case,” said Dr. Crane, “I advise you to start showering him with compliments. When he thinks you love him devotedly, then start the divorce action. That is the way to hurt him.” Some months later the woman returned to report that all was going well. She had followed the suggested course. “Good,” said Dr. Crane. “Now’s the time to file for divorce.” “Divorce!” the woman said indignantly. “Never. I love my husband dearly!”
Grace helped the elect lady and her children to overcome hate and embrace love for God and fellow believers. John, the apostle, emphasises the importance of love rooted in truth within the Christian community. The passage highlights mutual love among believers and commitment to Christ’s truth. This love is not just sentimental but leads to spiritual growth and fellowship. John encourages obedience to God’s commandments, linking love for God with obedience that creates unity among believers.
In this passage, the Apostle warns against false teachers who distort the core beliefs of the faith and deny Christ’s incarnation. Many ideologies are competing for attention today, leading to deception and confusion. Believers are urged to stand firm in the truth of the gospel, despite cultural pressures and theological deviations. Christians are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of reconciliation, showing the transformative power of Christ’s love in a world filled with discord and deception.
It is important for believers to always remember that they cannot claim to love God when their lives and actions run contrary to His commandments. Professing love for God by sinners is incongruent and impossible. Sincere and complete repentance from sin and consistency in our walk with Christ provides the basis for love for God. Our love for Him, the truth of His word, and total obedience to Him are inseparable.
Thought for the day
If you truly love God, you will wholly obey and stay with Him.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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I am always blessed both spiritually and physically reading and listening to My Father in the Lord.
I am always blessed both spiritually and physically reading and listening to My Father in the Lord.