Today our Root 66 journey through the Bible toured the letters of 2 and 3 John. With short notes more like postcards, the Apostle John wrote to a group of believers in 2 John and to Gaius, a church leader he mentored, in 3 John. The overall message of both of these letters is the command to “walk in the Truth.”

Our world is greatly confused about the concept of truth. Many decades of relativism has led to a post-truth worldview, where “truth” is based more on feelings and personal opinions rather than fact or absolutes. But in the midst of this chaos stands firm the eternal word of truth and the person of Christ.

In 2 John, the Apostle was concerned that the fellowship of Christians in Ephesus was allowing deceivers to influence their beliefs. John instructs them to walk in the truth of Christ Jesus and “shut the door” on those who spread false teaching and division.

What does it mean to “shut the door” on deceivers? We engage with people who deny the truth of Christ, but we are not influenced by their opinions. We converse with them for the purpose of understanding and opportunities to share the truth, but we refuse to argue. We protect the truth and challenge the lies with grace.

In 3 John, the Apostle directs Gaius, a local church leader, to “open the door” to those who proclaim the Gospel. Some other leaders were being inhospitable to teachers of God’s Word, even removing them from the fellowship. John instructs Gaius to encourage and support those who would build up faith in the Church.

People who follow Christ know the Truth, the person of Jesus and His Word. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can know when to “shut the door” to false teaching and “open the door” to encourage those who proclaim the Gospel.

1. What messages are you bombarded with each day that are counter to the Truth?