2 John 1:6

The New King James Version of 2 John 1:6 reads: “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.”

In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse carries significant weight. Reformed Christianity, also known as Calvinism, is a major branch of Protestantism that began during the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation [1]. It emphasises the authority of the Bible, the sovereignty of God, and covenant theology [1].

The verse 2 John 1:6 is a call to action, an exhortation to live out the Christian faith in daily life. It emphasises that love, in the Christian sense, is not merely an emotion or sentiment, but is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments [6]. This is a key tenet of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, which places a strong emphasis on the transformative power of faith in the believer’s life [1].

The commandment referred to in this verse is not a new one, but one that has been present from the beginning of Christian teaching [6]. This reinforces the idea that the message of the gospel is unchanging, a concept that is central to Reformed theology [1].

Applying this to modern Christian living, this verse serves as a reminder that love should be the guiding principle in our lives. This love is not abstract or passive, but active and demonstrated through our actions [6]. In a practical sense, this could mean serving others, acting with kindness and generosity, and striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.

In conclusion, 2 John 1:6 encapsulates a central theme of Reformed Evangelical Christianity: that love, demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments, is at the heart of the Christian faith. This verse calls Christians to not only believe in God’s commandments but to live them out in their daily lives, providing a practical framework for modern Christian living [6].

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 17/06/2024