We all need a reminder now and then about the things that are most important. In the second letter written by the apostle John, he confronts some of the same challenges as he did in his first letter, and once again reminds his readers about the delicate balance of truth and love.

Once again reminds his readers about the delicate balance of truth and love.

In the first verse of 2 John, the apostle addresses the church as “the elect lady and her children,” since the church is the bride of Christ. It’s a reminder of their relationship to God and each other—a relationship dependent upon their continued connection with Christ. Love and truth are the marks of that relationship.

Truth is the absolute standard by which reality is measured. And this understanding of truth was being challenged by false teachers who had gained a hearing among the early believers. In verse 9 he warns, “Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it does not have God” ( csb). John wanted to set them straight on who Jesus is and call upon them to be discerning about who they are listening to. 

It is never a matter of truth or love.

Love is the expression of that church as witnessed in our care for others. It is the truth in action. John says that when the church operates in truth and love, we will experience true intimacy with God. That’s why it is always a priority. “This is the command as you have heard it from the beginning: that you walk in love” (2 John 6 csb).

It is never a matter of truth or love. It is love expressed through our commitment to the truth . . . and truth demonstrated through our love and care for one another.

Here’s a short video that highlights five key themes from the book of 2 John. May you be blessed by it.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.