To the dear Lady and to her children. This is probably a reference to a particular local church, though it could be taken as a reference to the whole church. A feature of truly knowing the truth is loving the church. This is a crucial factor. We cannot treat church like a make of car, changing from one to another as we find fault with one church or another. We need to love the church. This does not mean being blind to its faults (and it is useful to remember that one of the faults in your church is you! Hopefully you are also one of the blessings in the church as well), but we need a deep commitment to the church. We are here to make it work, and to see the grace of God work in the church, and so to reach the world. You see our church will not “succeed” because it is so wonderful, but because of the grace of God. In verse three John talks about grace, mercy, truth and love.
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