In 2 John we read,
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 remains in us and will be with us forever.
My understanding is that “the elect lady and her children” is a reference to the church he is writing.
It’s interesting to see the interplay of love and truth:
- John’s love for them is in the truth
- It’s because of the truth that John loves them
Commentators suggest “the truth” refers to Jesus, who said he is the truth. Of course, the Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of truth.
So:
I am in the truth/in Christ
The truth/Jesus is in me
You are in the truth/in Christ
The truth/Jesus is in you
God loves us
Because of God’s love for us, we love each other
I love how these brief words bring together living in God’s presence, being united to one another in Jesus, experiencing and sharing God’s love, and the interplay between love and truth.
May we experience Jesus today. May his love and truth assure us that we are God’s beloved. May we share the truth with one another. May God encourage our hearts that he will be with us forever - and we will be with him forever.