Evening Scripture

2 John, Chapter 1

The elder, to the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth — and not I only, but also all who know the truth — because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.

And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

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. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.

Evening Reflection

Jesus set the ultimate example of walking in both truth and love. We, too, are called to live and love like Him. That feels like a tall order, and it is. To live and love like Jesus will cost you and me many things. But what we gain in eternal perspective and faithful endurance will be worth more than anything we lose in this world.

Tonight you may read this and feel like you cannot measure up to such a standard, and I want to offer you the best news: the Lord is not asking you to be perfect. He’s not holding His love on a pedestal, only willing to extend it if you perform better or act better. Loving and living like Jesus is a process, a journey of sanctification that comes through conviction and a willing heart. A journey that ultimately bears fruit as time goes on.

One of the greatest followers of Jesus we can look to who lived this balance well is Peter. He struggled, and yet he lived fully surrendered to what Jesus asked of Him. It was his heart posture that mattered most. He leaned into truth, walked in love, and lived with the desire to be like Christ to those he encountered.

We have this opportunity, too. When the areas are revealed that need work, we work on them. Where fruit is shown, we should celebrate seeing the good work of Christ in our hearts. We can delight in the pursuit of living like Jesus, even if we know we will fall short.

Evening Prayer

Father,

Thank you for giving us your Word to show us how to walk in truth and love; most of all, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to give us the perfect example of living out your call on the believer's life.

Please help me as I grow in my faith to live fully surrendered to you and what you desire of me. Help me live with a posture of pursuit and delight in walking with you, even when it challenges me. I pray to be a bright light in this world, one that shines your truth and love. Help me to have the courage to do what pleases you over what pleases the world. Make me more like you.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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