True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--New Testamentનમૂનો

The Second Postcard from John: Love Wisely

We learned in 1 John that love is the defining mark of a follower of Jesus. But sometimes the most loving thing you can do is to draw a line and say, “No, that’s not the truth.”

This second letter from John, that’s really so short it should be called a postcard, is written just to the “elect or chosen lady” or perhaps to a local church. John tells them they’re doing a great job welcoming the itinerant teachers who pass through Ephesus and need the church’s hospitality (hotels weren’t an option). But John, always the pastor, also looks out for them.

Some of the people who went through Ephesus were only showmen, or even worse, teaching lies about Jesus Christ. The most popular teachers denied that Jesus had even come. (This would have especially irked John, who walked side by side with Jesus for years.) The false teachers also rejected Jesus’ teaching.

This is downright dangerous for the young church. John obviously reminds them of the truth, but goes one step further and tells them to have nothing to do with those who deny Jesus is the Lord and Savior. Don’t invite them in. Don’t tolerate their teaching. Don’t look for the good in their message or in any way appear like you agree with them. Don’t co-exist with them. Show them the road out of town.

Truth and discernment must provide protective fences around the body. The most loving thing you can do is make sure the people in your church (or neighborhood, or community), hears the truth about Jesus and have opportunity to believe on His beautiful name and walk in His light.

Is this postcard telling us to stop loving people? No. We love them more by making sure they get the truth. Only the truth will set you free.

Sometimes you’ve got to fight for the people you love.

Though many false teachers will say smooth and attractive things, what God says in His Word is the best thing worth hearing and the only thing worth following.

Next: Don’t be a Bible-fathead.