The Lady
Let's talk about the church today.
The 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, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love. I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But 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. And 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. - 2 John 3-6
In today's reading, John writes to the church and calls her a lady. Perhaps he didn't want to mention the woman by name, given it was a time when followers were being persecuted, but why not see this as a letter to all of us today?
John speaks of the truth that abides in all of the believers, the truth that is in us, and we need to be reminded of that truth form time to time.
The emphasis here is on living the life of a loving follower, walking in truth and loving one another as we have been commanded to do.
It was not just a suggestion for the apostles, but for all of us, and as John is writing to remind this congregation, so we should take that reminder to heart.
Where have we fallen short in loving one another?
Where have we lost sight of the truth we carry within us as Christians?
None of us should point out the faults in others, but should act out of love, and remind each other of our commitment to God's truth, grace and love.
Like He is, so should we be.
It isn't easy.
It can be damn hard at times, but it is only hard because we choose to carry the burden of anger and the pain of guilt. Those things we have to let loose.
Then the lady will be walking in truth.
More to come...