In his letters, the Apostle John emphasizes the life-giving power of knowing and having a relationship with Jesus Christ, encapsulating it in the statement, "Whoever has the Son has life." This life, both eternal and abundant in the present, is a gift from God that transforms every aspect of a believer’s existence. John urges believers to walk in the truth of the Gospel and to live out that truth through love and obedience. Having the Son means not only knowing Jesus intellectually but also being united with Him personally, allowing His presence to shape our actions and relationships.

John also reassures believers of their salvation and the assurance they have in Christ. He writes to dispel fear and doubt, encouraging them to have confidence in their eternal life through Jesus. At the same time, he warns against the dangers of false teachings and the need for discernment. The letters make it clear that walking in the truth requires rejecting deceptive messages and standing firm in the truth of Jesus’ incarnation and divinity, as well as living in love for others, which demonstrates a genuine relationship with God.

Ultimately, John points to the promise of eternal life for those who have the Son, reminding us that this life begins now and continues into eternity. By walking in truth, love, and obedience, believers participate in the fullness of life that God offers, living with joy and assurance in the present while anticipating the reward of eternal life in His presence. John’s message is both a call to action and a comfort: to have the Son is to have life, now and forever.

In 3 John, the Apostle John writes to his dear friend Gaius, commending him for walking in the truth and showing hospitality to fellow believers. Gaius’s faithfulness in serving others, even strangers, demonstrates his commitment to living out the Gospel through both truth and love. John emphasizes that walking in the truth is not just about knowledge but must be accompanied by active love and service, especially through hospitality, which honors God.

John contrasts Gaius’s example with that of Diotrephes, a man in the church who seeks power and causes division. Diotrephes rejects the truth, spreads malicious rumors, and refuses to show hospitality to others, placing himself above the needs of the community. John warns against following such bad examples and encourages Gaius to continue imitating what is good, as seen in the life of Demetrius, who is known for his integrity and alignment with the truth.

The central message of the letter is John’s call to “imitate good, not evil.” He reminds believers that doing good reflects a life transformed by God, while doing evil shows a disconnect from knowing God. Our actions are a testament to our relationship with God, and we are called to live lives of truth, love, and humility, imitating Christ and those who model His character.

In 2 John, the apostle John writes with a deep sense of love and concern for the church, urging believers to walk in both truth and love. He reminds them that truth is not merely intellectual knowledge but a way of life that reflects God’s commandments. Likewise, love is not just a feeling but is demonstrated through obedience to God. John stresses that truth and love must always go hand in hand, forming the foundation of Christian life.

John also warns the church about the dangers of deception, particularly from false teachers who deny the truth of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in the teachings of Christ and avoiding those who bring distorted messages. This call for discernment serves as a reminder that believers must guard their faith and not allow false teachings to lead them astray, as the cost of losing the truth is great.

Finally, John encourages believers to stay the course, reminding them not to lose the spiritual progress they’ve made but to persevere in their faith in order to receive their full reward. He compares the Christian life to a race, urging the church to keep their eyes on the finish line and remain focused on the truth. Through personal fellowship, love, and truth, John calls the church to continue their journey of faith, knowing that the ultimate reward comes from faithful endurance in Christ.