2 John 1:5 — “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John is reminding the lady he is writing to (whether an actual woman or a local church) of something very important — something they already know. He’s not giving them a new rule or fresh teaching. Instead, he is calling them back to a command they’ve heard from the beginning: love one another.
John is not just saying, “Be nice.” He is talking about a deep, real, committed love — the kind of love God has shown us. It’s not based on feelings or convenience. It’s a choice to care for others, to seek their good, to walk with them in truth and kindness.
John’s tone is warm. He says, “dear lady,” showing affection and respect. His request is simple but powerful: love one another.
Historical Context
At the time this letter was written, the early church was facing pressure from false teachers and outside forces. Some believers were confused. Some were tempted to turn against one another. Others were growing cold in their faith.
John, now an old man, had seen it all. He knew that when truth is under attack, love often suffers too. People argue, divide, or become suspicious. So he is reminding them that the core command — from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry — was to love one another.
This command had been taught to them since they first heard the Gospel. It wasn’t new. But they needed to hear it again.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that love is not optional in the Christian life. It is commanded. It’s not based on who deserves it, how we feel, or what others do. It is rooted in what God has already told us and shown us.
It also shows that love is tied to truth. John’s whole letter stresses the need to live in truth and love at the same time. Love without truth is shallow. Truth without love is cold. God calls His people to both.
Literary Analysis
John’s writing here is gentle but firm. He uses family language — “dear lady” — which is warm and respectful. His tone is not demanding or harsh. He is asking, appealing to something they already know deep in their hearts.
He reminds them that the command is not new. This shows that Christian love is not an innovation, not something trendy or recently invented. It is foundational, part of the very beginning of the Gospel message.
The sentence is short and clear, almost like a personal plea: “I ask that we love one another.“
Cross-References
The call to love one another is found all over the Bible:
- John 13:34-35 — Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
- 1 John 3:11 — “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”
- Romans 13:8 — “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
- 1 Peter 4:8 — “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a clear call to go back to the basics. Sometimes we can get caught up in debates, distractions, or personal preferences and forget the simple, powerful command at the heart of our faith: love one another.
This love is not about feelings alone. It is action, sacrifice, and care. It means being patient, forgiving, serving, and helping other believers. It means loving even when it’s hard.
It also reminds us that we don’t need new teachings or trendy ideas to live the Christian life. We need to hold on to what we’ve known from the start: God’s command to love.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects the very heart of God. God is love. (1 John 4:8)
He doesn’t just talk about love — He shows it, proves it, and commands it. His love is not based on performance or worthiness. It is given freely.
By calling His people to love one another, God is inviting them to live out His character in the world. When we love others, we reflect the love of God.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points directly back to Jesus’ teaching. In John 13:34, Jesus said:
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Jesus didn’t just command love — He lived it. He washed His disciples’ feet. He forgave His enemies. He laid down His life for sinners.
John is reminding his readers (and us) that to follow Jesus means to love like Jesus — selflessly, truthfully, and without conditions.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it look like to “love one another” in your daily life?
- Why do you think John felt the need to remind Christians of a command they already knew?
- How can love and truth work together in your relationships with other believers?
- Are there people in your life whom you find difficult to love? How might this verse challenge you?
- What steps can you take this week to show real, active love to another Christian?