In this, the very briefest of all the letters in the New Testament, John's passion for truth is exceeded only by his heart of love for the church. It is not some abstract warm feeling for a concept, or an ideal, but rather a very personal and gritty affection for real people (he even names names!) dealing with real issues in a local congregation. May the Holy Spirit use it once again as a tool in our church for building healthy relationships among ourselves as fellow members of the Body of Christ.

If you see danger approaching someone you love, your first instinct is to sound the alarm! Give out a warning! Such is the urgency of this small letter, written to dearly beloved people by the last surviving apostle. The danger is not immediate or urgent - like an approaching tornado or some other imminent catastrophe. It is rather the slow creeping erosion of lies and deception that causes spiritual dry rot and the eventual collapse of a church. There is a cure! Take warning and live!