Loving the Church (2 John 1-6)

Those who love Jesus love his church and seek grace, mercy, and peace for those who belong to it.

• The Source of Joy (vv. 1, 4)

• The Source of Love (vv. 1-2)

• The Call to Love (vv. 3, 5-6)

Discussion Starters

Monday—What are some the different ways that John could have referred to himself in his letter? Why do you think he simply referred to himself as “the elder”? (cf. 1 Peter 1:5) How does this help us think about how we should relate to each other?

Tuesday—Why does John rejoice in verse 4? Why does the fact that Christians are loving each other bring him joy? Why does it bring God joy?

Wednesday—Why do you think that so many professing Christians have nothing to do with a local congregation? What scares us about investing in a congregation?

Thursday—Where does true love come from? If you are to love others, on whom must you depend? What are some things you can be doing to keep that reality in mind as you seek to obey the command to “love one another”?

Friday—What is grace? What is mercy? What is peace? What does it mean to seek these for your fellow Christians? Is this easy or hard?