Today we read John's second letter and it's addressed to "the Elect Lady and her children." There is disagreement as to who the elect lady is; it could be an individual that John did not name to avoid identifying the person and possibly placing her in harm's way due to persecution; or it could be a particular church and her children the members of that church.
John gives advice of discernment when he says in 2 John 9-11, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
John desired the recipient to become more discerning and lend the reputation of her household to those who would distort the truth about Christ. He knew that not all who claim Christ are true followers. So believers must develop discernment if they are to remain loyal to truth.
To do this, we must know the basics of what the Bible teaches and then we can detect error in the statements of others. By being able to do this, we can lovingly disagree on issues of faith and truth, and be confident in knowing the Word of God, thus, be confident in knowing the truth.
Blessings to all
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