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2 John 1:1-2

We are a community of truth:

- The truth abides in us.
- The truth will be with us forever.
- We know the truth.
- We love each other in truth.

This is a fascinating passage to me, because it declares that the church is not ultimately a community of love. It is a community of love (or should be) ultimately because of truth.

The love Christians have for one another is not a love that comes from within us or is dependent on us, and I am so thankful that is the case. Human love always fails, at least in part, when given enough time. I sin against people because my love for them is often based on what I get in return, based on something relative and selfish, but not based on truth.

The truth doesn't care how I feel that day, or what has happened to me in the last few hours, or how badly my kids are acting right now, or how disappointed I am with the results of my work. The truth is always the same, and it always calls me to love.

The truth that the church community should be built on is found in 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." Jesus loved us. He died for us on the cross. He was raised again and seen by his disciples. He sent the Holy Spirit to lead us. He will return to claim those who have claimed him. This is the truth that never changes. This should be the foundation of our love for one another.