2 John 1:1-3
Grace, Mercy, and Peace
Read the passage
1The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—
2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The writer introduces himself as the elder and addresses the chosen lady and her children. He loves them in the truth, and he says that everyone who knows the truth shares that love. Their fellowship reaches beyond his personal affection for them.
The reason is the truth that remains in them and will be with them forever. They have received something lasting. Love among believers rests on the truth they share about God, not only on similar interests or an easy friendship.
The elder assures them that grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ will be with them. He calls Jesus the Son of the Father, keeping the Father and Son together in the blessing. These gifts come from God; the readers are not asked to manufacture them by having flawless relationships.
The greeting speaks of these gifts in truth and love. The rest of the letter will call believers to love one another and resist deception about Christ. Those responsibilities belong together. The God who gives grace also gives the truth in which His people can love each other.
Questions
1 Whom does the elder address?
AnswerHe addresses the chosen lady and her children, whom he loves in the truth. Others who know the truth love them too.
2 What gives this shared love a lasting foundation?
AnswerThe truth remains in believers and will be with them forever. Their fellowship rests on more than temporary interests.
3 Where do grace, mercy and peace come from?
AnswerThey come from God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, and will be with believers in truth and love.
4 Why should truth and love stay together?
AnswerThe greeting joins them in God’s blessing. Love among believers should agree with the truth they have received about Him.
What This Means for Us
Thank the Father and His Son for the grace, mercy and peace you receive. Approach a difficult conversation as someone who needs those gifts too.
Remember a believer whose interests or background differ from yours. The truth you share about Christ gives you reason to care for that person beyond what you happen to have in common.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the grace, mercy and peace You give through Jesus Christ. Keep Your truth in us and deepen our love for those who share it. Help our words and actions reflect the kindness we have received. Amen.