What does it truly mean to love like Jesus? How can we demonstrate authentic Christian love in a world that often misunderstands this concept? The Apostle John provides a clear, powerful answer in 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.”
This verse reveals a profound truth: genuine love is inseparable from obedience to God. Love is not merely a warm feeling or kind sentiment—it is a deliberate choice to live according to God’s commands. It is a lifestyle, a daily walk, a pattern of behavior that reflects the character of Christ.
In this comprehensive study, we will explore the rich meaning of 2 John 1:6, discover what it means to walk in love, and learn how to live out this command in practical, transformative ways.
The Full Text of 2 John 1:6
2 John 1:6 (NIV):
“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.”
2 John 1:6 (ESV):
“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”
2 John 1:6 (KJV):
“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.”
2 John 1:6 (NLT):
“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.”
Understanding 2 John 1:6 in Context
The Book of 2 John – Truth and Love
The Second Epistle of John is the shortest book in the New Testament, consisting of only 13 verses. Yet it packs a powerful message about balancing truth and love in the Christian life.
Key themes in 2 John:
- Walking in truth (2 John 1:4)
- Walking in love (2 John 1:6)
- Guarding against false teachers (2 John 1:7-11)
- Fellowship in the Gospel (2 John 1:12-13)
John wrote this letter to combat false teaching while encouraging genuine Christian love. He emphasizes that truth and love are not opposed—they must coexist.
The Immediate Context (2 John 1:4-7)
To fully understand verse 6, we must read it within its immediate context:
2 John 1:4-5 (NIV):
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 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.”
2 John 1:7 (NIV):
“I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”
The Flow of John’s Argument:
- Verse 4: Joy in those walking in truth
- Verse 5: The command to love is not new
- Verse 6: Love is defined as obedience to God’s commands ← Our focus
- Verse 7: Warning against false teachers
John is saying: “I rejoice that you walk in truth. Now, let me remind you what love truly is—it’s not a vague sentiment, but obedience to God’s commands.”
Who Was John Writing To?
John addresses this letter to “the lady chosen by God and to her children” (2 John 1:1). Scholars debate whether this refers to:
- A specific Christian woman and her family
- A local church (metaphorically called a “lady”)
Either way, John is writing to genuine believers who were facing the challenge of false teachers infiltrating the church with heretical doctrine (particularly denying Christ’s incarnation).
John urges them to hold fast to truth while walking in love—a balance that remains essential for the church today.
Breaking Down 2 John 1:6 – Verse Analysis
“And This Is Love”
John begins with a definition. He is not assuming his readers know what love is—he is teaching them.
The Greek word for love here is agapē, which refers to self-giving, sacrificial, unconditional love. This is not:
- Eros (romantic love)
- Philia (brotherly affection)
- Storge (family love)
Agapē is the divine love that originates in God and flows through believers by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
John is saying: “Let me clarify what true love is, because the world has distorted this concept.”
Supporting Scripture:
- “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 John 4:16
“That We Walk”
The Greek word peripateō means “to walk about, to conduct one’s life, to live habitually.”
Walking implies:
- Ongoing action (not a one-time decision)
- Visible lifestyle (others can observe it)
- Intentional direction (you’re heading somewhere)
- Steady progress (step by step growth)
Love is not a static state—it’s a dynamic journey. You don’t “arrive” at love; you walk in it daily.
Supporting Scripture:
- “Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
“In Obedience to His Commands”
This phrase is the heart of the verse. John defines love as obedience to God’s commands.
This is radically counter-cultural. Modern culture says:
- “Love is whatever feels right to you.”
- “Love means accepting everything without judgment.”
- “Love has no rules or boundaries.”
The Bible says:
- “Love is obedience to God’s revealed will.”
Why does John link love and obedience?
- Jesus linked them (John 14:15, 21, 23)
- True love seeks God’s glory, not selfish desires
- God’s commands define what is truly loving
Example: Is it loving to affirm someone in destructive sin? No. True love speaks truth, even when uncomfortable (Ephesians 4:15).
Supporting Scripture:
- “If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
- “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” – 1 John 5:3
“As You Have Heard From the Beginning”
This is not a new teaching. The command to love goes back to:
- The Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18)
- Jesus’ earthly ministry (John 13:34)
- The apostolic preaching (1 John 2:7-8)
John is reminding them of what they already know, urging them to remain faithful to the original Gospel message.
Why this emphasis? False teachers were introducing new, novel ideas. John says: “Don’t be swayed. Stick with what you’ve been taught from the beginning.“
Supporting Scripture:
- “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning.” – 1 John 2:7
“His Command Is That You Walk in Love”
The circular structure of this verse is intentional:
- Love = Obedience to God’s commands
- God’s command = Walk in love
This means:
- Love is both the means and the goal
- Obedience to God is motivated by love and results in love
- Love for God and love for others are inseparable
Jesus summarized all God’s commands in two:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40
Supporting Scripture:
- “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
The Biblical Definition of Love
Love Is Not Merely Emotion
Modern culture equates love with feelings. The Bible does not deny the emotional aspect of love, but it emphasizes the volitional aspect—love is a choice, not just a feeling.
You can love someone even when you don’t “feel” like it—by choosing to act in their best interest according to God’s will.
Love Is Action and Obedience
1 John 3:18 (NIV):
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Real love:
- Serves (John 13:14)
- Sacrifices (John 15:13)
- Forgives (Colossians 3:13)
- Speaks truth (Ephesians 4:15)
- Perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Love Originates in God
We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our love is a response to His love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:7-8 (NIV):
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
The Inseparable Connection: Love and Obedience
Love Proves Itself Through Obedience
Jesus said:
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
You cannot claim to love God while living in disobedience. Love and obedience are two sides of the same coin.
Obedience Without Love Is Legalism
The Pharisees obeyed meticulously but lacked love (Matthew 23:23). Their obedience was external performance, not heartfelt devotion.
Jesus rebuked them:
“You have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” – Matthew 23:23
Legalism is rule-keeping without relationship.
Love Without Obedience Is Sentimentality
Many claim to love God but reject His commands. This is not biblical love—it’s emotional sentimentality.
James 2:17 (NIV):
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
True love is proven by obedience.
What Does It Mean to “Walk”?
Walking as a Lifestyle Pattern
Walking is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Christian love is not an occasional act of kindness but a consistent lifestyle.
Walking Implies Progress and Direction
When you walk, you’re moving toward a destination. Walking in love means you are progressing in Christlikeness.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV):
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Walking Requires Daily Intentionality
Walking is deliberate. You must choose to walk in love each day, each moment.
Galatians 5:16 (NIV):
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
God’s Commands That Define Love
Love God With All Your Heart (Matthew 22:37)
The first and greatest commandment is to love God supremely—with every part of your being.
This means:
- Worship Him alone
- Trust Him completely
- Obey Him joyfully
- Delight in Him constantly
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself (Matthew 22:39)
The second greatest commandment flows from the first. If you love God, you will love people created in His image.
This means:
- Treat others as you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12)
- Seek their good, not just your own (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Forgive freely (Colossians 3:13)
Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
Jesus gave His disciples a “new” command:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Christian love is:
- Sacrificial (like Christ’s love)
- Visible (a witness to the world)
- Community-focused (especially toward fellow believers)
Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:44)
The most radical command:
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This sets Christianity apart from every other religion and philosophy.
What Walking in Love Looks Like Practically
In Your Family
Love in the home includes:
- Patience with annoying habits
- Kindness in words and tone
- Service without keeping score
- Forgiveness for repeated offenses
- Encouragement and affirmation
Ephesians 5:25 (NIV):
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
In Your Church
Love in the body of Christ includes:
- Preferring others over yourself (Romans 12:10)
- Bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Encouraging the weary (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Speaking truth with grace (Ephesians 4:15)
- Forgiving offenses quickly (Colossians 3:13)
In Your Workplace
Love at work includes:
- Honesty and integrity in all dealings
- Excellence in your labor (Colossians 3:23)
- Respect for authority (1 Peter 2:18)
- Kindness to difficult coworkers
- Witnessing through your character
Toward Enemies and Difficult People
Love toward enemies includes:
- Praying for them (Matthew 5:44)
- Refusing to retaliate (Romans 12:19)
- Blessing instead of cursing (Romans 12:14)
- Seeking reconciliation when possible (Romans 12:18)
Common Misconceptions About Christian Love
“Love Means Never Disagreeing”
False. Love speaks truth, even when uncomfortable (Ephesians 4:15). Jesus rebuked Peter (Matthew 16:23) and Paul confronted Peter (Galatians 2:11) out of love.
“Love Means Tolerating Sin”
False. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing (1 Corinthians 13:6). True love desires holiness for others.
“Love Is Just a Feeling”
False. Love is primarily a choice and action, not an emotion. Feelings may follow, but they are not the essence of love.
“Love Doesn’t Require Obedience”
False. According to 2 John 1:6, love IS obedience. You cannot separate the two.
The Biblical Balance: Truth and Love
Truth Without Love Is Cruelty
The Pharisees had truth but lacked love. They were harsh, judgmental, and cold.
Love Without Truth Is Compromise
Modern culture emphasizes “love” but rejects biblical truth. This leads to moral relativism and spiritual deception.
Jesus—The Perfect Example
John 1:14 (NIV):
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jesus embodied both grace and truth. He loved sinners without compromising holiness.
Biblical Examples of Walking in Love
Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
Jesus demonstrated servant love:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Love crosses boundaries: The Samaritan showed compassion to a Jewish man, despite cultural hostility.
Paul’s Love for the Churches (2 Corinthians 11:28-29)
Paul carried deep concern for believers:
“Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”
How to Cultivate a Life of Love
1. Abide in Christ Daily
John 15:5 (NIV):
“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
2. Study God’s Word
Learn what love looks like by studying Scripture, especially the life of Jesus.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit for Help
Galatians 5:22 (NIV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
4. Practice Love in Small Ways
Start with small acts of kindness, service, and patience.
5. Examine Your Motives Regularly
1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV):
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
When Walking in Love Is Difficult
When You’re Hurt
Choose to forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
When Others Don’t Reciprocate
Love anyway (Romans 12:20-21). Your obedience is to God, not dependent on their response.
When Love Requires Sacrifice
Remember Christ’s sacrifice for you (1 John 3:16).
When You’re Exhausted
Rest in God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Fruit of Walking in Love
Unity in the Body of Christ
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV):
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Powerful Witness to the World
John 13:35 (NIV):
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Joy and Fulfillment
Acts 20:35 (NIV):
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Spiritual Growth
Love is the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Common Questions About 2 John 1:6 (FAQ)
Does loving God mean I’ll always feel close to Him?
No. Love is obedience, not emotion. Even when you don’t “feel” God’s presence, you can still love Him by obeying His Word.
How do I love someone who has deeply hurt me?
Through Christ’s power, not your own. Pray for them, forgive them, and trust God to heal your heart (Matthew 5:44).
Is it loving to confront someone in sin?
Yes. Love speaks truth (Ephesians 4:15). Silence in the face of sin is not love—it’s cowardice.
Can I love God and still struggle with obedience?
Yes. All Christians struggle with sin (Romans 7:15-20). The question is: Are you fighting against sin, or embracing it?
Conclusion – Love Is the Greatest Commandment
2 John 1:6 calls us to a radical, countercultural life—walking in love through obedience to God. This is not easy, but it is the essence of authentic Christianity.
Love is not a vague sentiment or warm feeling. It is deliberate, sacrificial obedience to God’s commands, demonstrated through:
- Worship of God
- Service to others
- Truth-telling with grace
- Forgiveness freely given
- Sacrifice joyfully made
Will you walk in love today?
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, teach me to love as You love. Help me to walk in obedience to Your commands, not out of duty but out of deep affection for You. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may love others sacrificially, even when it’s difficult. May my life be a testimony to the transforming power of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”