2 John 1-13 (NRSV)
Read 2 John 1-13 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, Verse 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Verse 3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love. Verse 4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.
Verse 5But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. Verse 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning-you must walk in it.
Verse 7Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Verse 8Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. Verse 9Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Verse 10Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; Verse 11for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
Verse 12Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. Verse 13The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.
Devotion
Some people say that water always flows downhill and that United States rivers flow south. After crossing the Red River of the North many times when I was young, I know better. I also know that living water flows outward and upward in and through our lives and does not obey the law of gravity. But there is a law, a command that we obey because of this gift of grace. It’s a command that flows from the beginning of our experiences as followers of Christ: To walk in love, loving God and loving neighbors even as Christ loved the woman at the well, even as he loves us. Love enables us to share the living water, to serve as Christ and to see Christ in those we serve.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, hear our prayer that we may love as you love us. Amen.