2 John 1:6

And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

Study Bible

And this is love,
Love in the biblical context is not merely an emotion but an action and commitment. In the New Testament, love is often described as selfless and sacrificial, reflecting the love of Christ for humanity. This phrase emphasizes that true love is demonstrated through obedience to God's will.

that we walk according to His commandments.
Walking according to His commandments implies a continuous, active lifestyle of obedience. The term "walk" is frequently used in Scripture to denote one's conduct or way of life (e.g., Ephesians 5:2). The commandments refer to the teachings of Christ and the moral laws found in Scripture. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning,
The phrase "from the beginning" suggests a foundational teaching that has been consistent since the inception of the Christian faith. It echoes 1 John 2:7, where the commandment to love one another is described as both old and new. This continuity underscores the unchanging nature of God's expectations for His people.

that you must walk in love.
Walking in love is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of John and Paul. It involves living a life characterized by love for God and others, as seen in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). This commandment to love is not optional but essential for believers, reflecting the love of Christ and serving as a witness to the world (John 13:35).

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of this epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He wrote this letter to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and love.

2. The Elect Lady and Her Children
The recipients of the letter, possibly a specific woman and her family or a metaphor for a local church congregation. John addresses them with affection and concern for their spiritual well-being.

3. False Teachers
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of 2 John warns against deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This highlights the importance of adhering to true doctrine.

Teaching Points

Love as Action
Love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through our actions, specifically through obedience to God's commandments.

Consistency in Faith
The commandment to walk in love is not new but has been a consistent message from the beginning of the Christian faith. Believers are called to remain steadfast in this truth.

Guarding Against Deception
In a world with many false teachings, adhering to the commandment of love helps safeguard our faith and ensures we remain aligned with the truth of the Gospel.

Community and Accountability
Walking in love involves community. We are called to love one another, holding each other accountable to live according to God's commandments.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding love as obedience to God's commandments change your perspective on what it means to love others?

2. In what ways can you actively "walk in love" in your daily life, especially in challenging situations?

3. How does the commandment to love relate to the greatest commandments Jesus mentioned in Matthew 22:37-40?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to guard against false teachings and ensure you are walking in truth and love?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to walk in love and remain faithful to God's commandments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 14:15
Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This connection emphasizes that love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His teachings.

1 John 5:3
This verse reiterates that love for God is keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome, reinforcing the idea that love and obedience are inseparable.

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus summarizes the Law with the commandments to love God and love your neighbor, which aligns with John's emphasis on walking in love as a fulfillment of God's commandments.