No Compromise: Walking in Truth & Love

by Beebe Kauffman

When is it right for a Christian to say no?

God wants us to abide in the doctrine of Christ with unwavering faithfulness and to refuse to accept any doctrine that opposes that teaching. He wants us to walk in truth and love as He has taught us, as Christ has demonstrated for us, and as the Spirit leads us, and to be intolerant of any teaching that refutes that way of life.

The little book of 2 John champions “no compromise” where abiding in the truth is concerned. When an opposing doctrine comes knocking on believers’ doors, we are to shut the door in its face lest we share in the evil that comes from living a lie.

Second John also emphasizes a delightful fact. If we walk in the truth, we will walk in what it produces—love.

These are the privileges and commandments that God gives His children—walk in truth, walk in love, and abide in Christ’s doctrine, without compromise. If we do these things we will demonstrate that we have God and He has us, and we will receive from Him a full reward.

The message of 2 John—just one chapter in Scripture—is this:

Walk in truth and love as God has taught us,
and don’t embrace or sanction
any teaching that is contrary to them.

v.1-4  Walk in the truth as the Father commanded us.

v.5-6  Walk in love toward one another, by walking in God’s commandments.

v.7-9  Abide in the doctrine of Christ, and don’t be deceived by any other doctrine.

v.10-13  Don’t receive into your home anyone who does not bring Christ’s doctrine; don’t even greet him, lest you share in his evil deeds.

Other Application:

v.7  Antichrists are deceivers who do not confess that Christ has come as a Man, and there are many of them in the world.

v.8  Don’t believe them, that you may receive a full reward.

v.9  Whoever abides in Christ’s doctrine, has both the Father and the Son.

v.9  Whoever doesn’t abide in Christ’s doctrine, doesn’t have God.

Discussion Question for This Post:

How can we practically walk through this world, with all of its contrary ways and false beliefs, and practice the truth and love of God? Share your thoughts in the comments.

*This adapted excerpt comes from Beebe Kauffman, A Whole Lot of Wonderful—Application of the New Testament for Today (Buford, Georgia: Lighthouse Bible Studies, 2018), 686 and 689.