A DEAL WE CAN LOVE WITH
2 John 5-6 (NLT)
5 I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. 6 Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.
I enjoy getting letters in the mail. It doesn’t happen super often these days, but when I do, I immediately look to see who it’s from. It lets me know if I want to read it. If it’s from someone I know and love, I look forward to reading it when I’m not in a hurry. If I look to the signature and don’t know the name, it goes in the trash – like those generic sales letters made to look personal! 2 John is a letter – a personal letter to a group of friends and families following the way of Jesus together. The letter is from John, someone they all know and love, and one of Jesus’ best friends.
One thing we know about John from his other writings is that he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus loved him (John 20:2, 21:7, 20, 24). So, I find it interesting that John wrote to this church about loving each other. That obviously wasn’t new news since the directive to “love your neighbor” is a thread throughout all of Scripture, from Leviticus to 2 John. John says he’s writing to remind them to love one another. It’s kind of funny that they needed to be reminded of something so basic, but I find I need the same reminder – often. To love those around me. This love that John’s talking about is AGAPE love, not a fleeting emotion or feeling. Agape love is described as a deliberate choice to act for the ultimate well-being of another person, regardless of whether they deserve it or return the affection. Boy, do I need that reminder, literally on a daily basis, to love my literal neighbors on my street, to love those I live with and work with, and drive on the road with. This kind of love is defined by action, not emotion.
John knew he was loved by Jesus. He had received love, knew he was loved, so he had a stash of love on the inside that he could share with those around him. He was reminding those he was writing to, including us. We, too, are dearly and deeply loved. As we remember that, it gives us the love we need to give away. Love fuels love. As a bonus, verse 3 says that when we live in love (being loved and giving it away), we will have the added blessings of grace, mercy, and peace. That’s a deal I can love with!
PRAYER
Thank You, Father, that You are love. Thank You for the many, many ways You reveal and express Your love to us. As I remember that I am loved today, please help me to love those around me in tangible ways.