2 John 1:6 — “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John is explaining what love really looks like. Love is not just a feeling or sweet words. It’s shown by how we live — by walking in obedience to God’s commands.
John is making it clear: If we say we love God, we will do what He says. And what is His command? That we walk in love. In other words, the way we obey God is by loving others every day, in real ways, in real life.
This isn’t a new teaching. John says, “you have heard from the beginning.” Since the first time these believers heard the Gospel, they were taught that love is not optional — it is the heart of what God wants from His people.
Historical Context
During the time John wrote this letter, the early churches were facing division and deception. False teachers were spreading lies about who Jesus was, and some believers were becoming confused or even turning away from the truth.
John had lived through decades of watching churches grow, struggle, and even fall apart. He knew that when people stop obeying God’s commands and stop loving one another, everything falls apart.
So he is writing to remind them of something simple but powerful: Obedience and love go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches something crucial about the Christian life: Love is not vague. It has a shape, a direction, and it is tied to God’s commands.
Many people today think love means “do whatever feels right” or “don’t judge anyone.” But John is clear — true love is shown by walking in obedience to God. It is not defined by feelings but by God’s truth.
At the same time, obedience is not cold rule-keeping. It is walking in love. God’s commands are not meant to crush us but to lead us to love.
Literary Analysis
John uses the word walk twice in this verse. This picture of “walking” shows that love and obedience are not one-time events but a daily, ongoing way of life.
The verse is written like an equation: Love = Walking in obedience to God’s commands.
God’s command = Walk in love.
It’s a simple, circular truth. John is teaching that love and obedience are not separate ideas — they are the same path.
Cross-References
Many other parts of the Bible support this teaching:
- John 14:15 — Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- 1 John 5:3 — “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”
- Deuteronomy 10:12 — “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
- Romans 13:10 — “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For us today, this verse is a reminder that love is more than words. It’s more than good intentions or nice feelings. Real love shows up in how we live — how we treat others, how we obey God, how we serve, forgive, and help.
It also reminds us that following Jesus is not just about believing the right things in our heads. It’s about walking out our faith every day in love and obedience.
This verse challenges modern Christians who want to separate love from God’s truth. John says you can’t do that. Real love follows God’s commands.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God doesn’t leave us guessing about what love is. He doesn’t say, “Love however you want.” He gives us clear commands and calls us to live in them.
That is an act of love. God’s commands are not to make us miserable — they are for our good, to protect us, guide us, and teach us how to love Him and others.
God is a loving Father who tells His children how to live in the way that leads to life, joy, and peace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse ties directly to Jesus’ teaching. In John 13:34, Jesus said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Jesus not only taught love — He lived it perfectly. He obeyed the Father fully, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), and His love was shown in His obedience.
When we walk in obedience and love, we are walking like Jesus. He is the perfect example of what this verse is teaching.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of love?
- In what ways do obedience and love work together in your life?
- Are there any of God’s commands you’ve been avoiding because they feel hard or uncomfortable?
- How can you practice “walking in love” toward others this week?
- Why is it important to remember that God’s commands are rooted in love?