2 John 1:12-13
Face to Face, for Complete Joy
Read the passage
12I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13The children of your elect sister send you greetings.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The elder still has much to say, but he hopes to say it in person. Paper and ink have carried the letter’s teaching and warning. He hopes to add the care of a personal visit.
He wants to come and speak face to face so that their joy may be complete. His concern for truth includes a desire to be with the people who share it. The firm warning about deceivers has not made him distant from those he loves.
The children of the elect sister send their greetings. The letter does not name them, but their greeting makes the wider fellowship felt at its close. Other believers remember these readers and want that affection conveyed.
The hoped-for visit is still a hope, not a report that it has happened. Even so, the elder’s intention shows the value he places on shared conversation. Teaching, careful warnings and the joy of being together can all belong to the same faithful friendship.
Questions
1 What does the elder still have to share?
AnswerHe has many things to say, but he would prefer to speak them in person rather than write them with paper and ink.
2 Why does he hope to visit?
AnswerHe hopes to speak face to face so that their joy may be complete. Being together matters to their fellowship.
3 Who sends greetings?
AnswerThe children of the elect sister send greetings. Their message connects the readers with other people who share their faith.
4 How does this ending fit the elder’s concern for truth?
AnswerHe wants fellowship with the people he has taught and warned. Guarding truth and sharing joy belong together in his care for them.
What This Means for Us
Make time for an unhurried conversation with a believer you care about. Give them your attention, ask about their life and share what has encouraged you in Christ.
If you cannot meet, send a thoughtful greeting now. The elder values both the letter he can send and the visit he hopes to make.
Prayer
Father, thank You for people who share our faith and remember us with love. Help us make time for one another, speak truthfully and listen well. Give us joy in fellowship centered on Your Son. Amen.