Thirteen verses. That’s all 2 John is. Shorter than most text conversations. But in those few words, you can hear the urgency in John’s voice. He circles back again and again to truth and love, as if he’s protecting something fragile and precious.

It’s not just a letter—it’s like getting a voicemail from a trusted grandparent when they’ve heard something’s wrong: firm advice, fierce love, and a warning you can’t ignore. John is writing to keep his spiritual children anchored in what matters most.

Truth Isn’t Trendy, It’s Timeless

John begins by reminding his readers of the importance of truth. He repeats the word like a drumbeat: “love in the truth,” “know the truth,” “walking in the truth.” His emphasis is intentional. When truth gets repeated this often, it means lies are spreading.

John’s joy is to see “some” walking in the truth—and the word “some” matters. Not everyone was holding firm. The reminder is clear: faithfulness to Jesus is not optional or outdated. It is the difference between life and darkness.

Truth doesn’t change with culture. It’s timeless, and it’s worth clinging to.

People Who Live by Truth Live by Love

John moves from truth to love. Why? Because love is the evidence of truth taking root in our lives. To walk in obedience to Christ is to walk in love for others.

This isn’t a new teaching, but it’s an essential one. Love is not just a feeling but a life shaped by God’s truth expressed toward others.

Not Every Preacher Is a Truth Teacher

John warns that deceivers are on the move—teachers denying that Jesus came in the flesh. He calls them “antichrists.” In his day, traveling teachers relied on hospitality to spread their ideas. John urges the church not to give false teachers a platform.

The warning still applies. Not every voice claiming authority is rooted in truth. Confidence does not equal competence. Just because someone speaks loudly or convincingly doesn’t mean they speak truth. That’s why historic creeds and the essentials of the faith matter. They anchor us in what is non-negotiable: Jesus’ divinity, His atoning death, His resurrection, the authority of Scripture, the Spirit’s power, and Christ’s promised return.

Anything less than this is no longer Christianity.

Joy Doesn’t Travel by Email

John closes with a beautiful line: “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

There is something about real presence that cannot be replaced. Our world is more connected than ever, yet lonelier than ever. We have followers but not friends, messages but not hugs, likes but not love.

John’s reminder is prophetic: complete joy comes not through screens, but through face-to-face friendship in the truth.

The Challenge

John’s short letter is a roadmap:

• Hold fast to truth.
• Live out love.
• Guard against deception.
• Pursue face-to-face community.

Your joy will not be complete in scrolling or streaming. It will be complete when you sit across the table, pray together, laugh together, and live out truth and love in real relationship.

So take the initiative. Join a group. Host the gathering. Be the friend someone has been waiting for.

Because the best things in life aren’t downloaded, they’re experienced. They aren’t posted, they’re shared. They aren’t virtual, they’re real.

Your joy is waiting. But it won’t travel by email.

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Message recap adapted from August 24, 2025, message by Minister Mark Ashton

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