The elder in 2 John is writing to encourage the house churches in Ephesus and the surrounding area to continue on in the Truth of Jesus by loving one another. He also warns to not stray and follow the “deceivers” who deny Jesus. His encouragement, stand firm on God’s truth and love and live obedient lives.

The apostle John wrote three letters to his churches, combatting a specific heresy about Jesus, and encouraging them to live in obedience to him. That’s because knowing the truth changes how you live. Christians today should be diligent in learning the truth, so that we can live out our faith. In the words of a Christian cliché, “right thinking leads to right living.

Peter wrote his second letter to correct a false teaching in the early church. Certain people were claiming that Jesus would never return, and that they could therefore live however they wanted. Peter chastised these people and reminded his readers of the implications that Jesus’ future return had for them. Today, we continue to look forward to Jesus’ return, and we continue to live in ways informed by that expectation.

Peter’s first letter is written to a group of Christians who are facing the beginnings of mounting persecution that will include physical violence. His advice to them? Live holy lives. Today, when we face pressure and opposition, our response should be the same: holiness instead of reaction.

While the letter of James can sound preachy and judgy, when James wrote these words, his intention was restoration. James end his letter with a reminder that God can use those who speak truth to restore believers who have wandered away. Because of that, we should never be shy about speaking the truth in regard to sin among God’s people. Instead, we should do so with humility and love, praying that those who have wandered will come back!

Today we lean into God’s story so we know who we are, what God is calling us to be, and how we need to be God’s ambassadors to the this world.

Generosity and Others go hand in hand. Christians who embrace the core value of Generosity give their time, talent and money so that others can come to know Jesus. Disciples are always looking for ways to grow their generosity. We are generous so that others may live in this life, and may find eternal life. Our generosity is an act of worship.

Christians were never meant to do life alone. Just like God, who lives in relationship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are called to do life together with other believers. This is not always easy, but, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Christians ought to be the most giving and forgiving people on the planet. As we grow in our understanding of grace - that is, experiencing undeserved forgiveness - it helps us learn how to forgive others and practice graceful lives.

At the raising of Lazarus, Jesus declared “I am the resurrection and the life.” Too many of us are going through the motions, living lives with little meaning or fulfillment. In response to Jesus claim of being “the life,” we need to ask ourselves, “am I really living,” and then honestly and humbly examine our own lives.