260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 236 - 2 John - Hospitality Abuse

This second letter from John also deals with false teachers and the dangerous influence they can have on believers. It is the shortest writing in all of the Bible – only 13 verses. It is written to emphasize Christ, Truth & Love as well. It is addressed to “the chosen lady and her children” – most likely a good friend of John in ministry. John begins by emphasizing that we live lovingly and truthfully. To show love without truth is not helpful and to show truth without love is not kind. Balance is needed. Why? “…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.” You and I must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves or we can hinder the work of Jesus: “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.” This “chosen lady” may have, in trying to be loving, let false teachers stay with her resulting in damage to God’s work. SO WHAT?! *When you talk to people about Jesus, which is easier for you to share – Jesus’ love or Jesus’ truth? We must remember both, but if I’m gonna’ err on one it’s gonna’ be overemphasizing His LOVE! This letter warning could easily have been written to me. I do hope that when false teaching occurs that we will speak up. I’ve learned that to say nothing is to approve of what was just said! *The only way to detect false teaching is to know the Truth. How much time are you & I spending in God’s Truth, the Bible? If we are to combat a world of deception, we must be filling our hearts & minds with what God says. Are you? *How’s your hospitality? It means “lover of strangers.” Are you involved in loving strangers? That TRULY IS what God did with us!