LIFESTYLE OF LOVE

April 18, 2022

And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we loveG25 one another. And this is loveG26, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walkG4043 in loveG26.

2 John 1:5-6 (BSB)

G4043 περιπατέω peripatéō – Figuratively, to live or pass one’s life . . . implying manner or rule

 The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, Spiros Zodhiates, ed.

We do not know the identity of the “dear lady” to whom John wrote this letter. Some theorize it is a way to refer to the church, but most believe she was an actual woman with whom John was acquainted. He commends her for raising children who are walking in the truth (i.e. are believers). Then John reminds her of the importance of loving one another as Jesus had commanded His disciples when He walked with them on the earth. John is describing love as habitual and perpetual among the brothers and sisters in Christ. To “walk in” something is to live it daily. We are to walk in love. Believers should be known for having a lifestyle of love. Love to the Christ-follower should be as natural as breathing. John MacArthur gives a good explanation of the Apostle John’s definition of love:

6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. John defines love, not as a sentiment or an emotion, but as obedience to God’s commands (see notes on 1 John 5:2, 3). Those who are obedient to the truth as contained in God’s commandments, the fundamentals of the faith (1 John 2:3–11), are identified as walking in love. Cf. John 14:15, 21; 15:10.

MacArthur Study Bible

If an outsider were to describe your lifestyle, would “love” be the first word they used? Are you consistently loving others as Jesus taught us? Does your obedience to God demonstrate your love for Him and others? Sometimes we need a reminder like the one John sent to the “dear lady” to whom his letter was addressed.

Father, may our love for You and our brothers and sisters in Christ be evident to all. May our daily lives be characterized by Your love flowing through us by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.