Title: Joy to Those Who Do the Truth
(2 John 1:4-6)
1. The joy of seeing those who walk in the truth
For Paul, the saints were all his joy. He considered the flocks to be his crown. It was because they thought that they would receive such a crown if they received the Lord's approval as the good shepherd of the flock. Without sheep, the existence of a shepherd is meaningless. Therefore, the shepherd should cherish the sheep, regard them as his whole life, and know them with joy.
In this way, God gives a crown to the shepherd who takes good care of his flock, which means 'those who walk in the truth according to the commandments'. In 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul describes the flock as his own sons. He said, 'In Christ there are ten thousand teachers, but not many fathers, for in Christ I have begotten you through the gospel.' God's servants have a soul responsibility for the flock because God has raised up a shepherd to teach his children well and fulfill the mission of a soul watchman.
God said this in Hebrews 13 about the attitude of the saints toward His servants. “Be obedient to those who lead you and be submissive, for they watch for your soul as if they were judges. Let them do this with joy, and do not do it with sorrow, otherwise it is of no benefit to you.” I did. The way the saints can work rewardingly and joyfully as servants of God is obedience and submission.
2. Truth and Love
God's commandments revealed in the law also started from love, and God's will revealed in the gospel is based on this love. Apart from love, nothing can come from or receive from God. In love, God's grace, mercy, and peace overflow like a river.
God gives this gift to all saints, but we will have to ask for love in order to live a more loving life.