How does 2 John 1:6 connect with Jesus' teachings in John 14:15? Verse Spotlight: 2 John 1:6 “And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment you have heard from the beginning: you must walk in love.” Echoes of Jesus in John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” One Thread—Love Expressed in Obedience • Both passages define genuine love for God in the same way: active obedience. • Jesus sets the standard; John simply echoes and applies it to the church. • The “commandment you have heard from the beginning” (2 John 1:6) is the very word Jesus spoke on the night before the cross (John 14:15). • Love is not mere emotion; it is a loyalty that shows up in daily choices. Supporting Passages: Obedience and Love United • John 15:10 – “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” • 1 John 2:3-6 – Knowing Him is verified by keeping His word. • 1 John 5:2-3 – Love for God and for His children is inseparable from obedience, and “His commandments are not burdensome.” • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – From the Law forward, God’s people are called to love Him “and keep the LORD’s commandments.” • James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead; love without obedience is equally hollow. Walking It Out—Practical Implications • Check motives: Obedience flows from affection, not obligation. • Guard consistency: Public devotion rings true only when private conduct matches. • Prioritize Scripture: We can’t keep commands we don’t know. Daily intake fuels daily obedience. • Lean on grace: Obedience is empowered by the Spirit (Ezekiel 36:27; John 14:16-17), not human grit alone. • Express love tangibly: Serving, forgiving, giving, and speaking truth are concrete ways to “walk in love.” Encouragement for Daily Life “Walk” is continuous motion. Every step of simple, trust-filled obedience says, “I love You, Lord,” echoing Jesus’ own words and fulfilling John’s gentle reminder. |
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