Overview
Second John is a brief personal note holding together two things that belong together: truth and love. John commends walking in the truth and loving one another, while warning against those who abandon the teaching of Christ.
Short as it is, it is a timely reminder that love without truth drifts, and truth without love hardens.
Key themes
Walking in truth
John rejoices to see believers holding to the truth of the gospel.
Love one another
The old command remains: that we love one another.
Discernment
Love does not mean welcoming teaching that denies Christ.
Key verses from 2 John
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
How to read 2 John
Read it in a minute — then reread it slowly.
Notice how truth and love are held together, not set against each other.
Pair it with 1 John, which develops the same themes.