The central theme of 2 John is to keep a balance between "truth and love". Many churches today fail in that balance by either compromising biblical truth in the name of love and acceptance or, on the other hand, by being exclusive and overly judgemental. Verse 6 is key in that it gives John's definition of love -- not a Hollywood romance or many splendored thing -- but following God's commands. God's greatest command is to love him with all of your heart, soul, and mind -- and to love your neighbor as yourself. It seems the lady in the story was on track loving God and following his commands, but failed to set limits on loving others. She had been deceived by a false prophet who spoke kindly about Jesus, but was clearly a wolf in sheep's clothing. These false teachers use the Bible as their base but either add or take away from its true meaning. John does not mince words calling these deceivers partners with the antichrist and implores his friend to be careful in her associations.
In the 21st century, there are many false teachers who distort the Gospel message. Sadly, Oprah Winfrey has promoted many of them to worldwide popularity including: Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth), Rhonda Byrne (The Secret), Helen Schucmen (A Course in Miracles) and Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love). Anyone who has sought answers to life's questions in New Age spirituality should read Erwin Lutzer's book titled "Oprah, Miracles and the New Earth." What becomes apparent is that New Age spirituality is in fact old age occultism that can be traced all the way back to the garden of Eden. This is not, as one person thought, "Christianity Lite"; it is a satanic counterfeit. And like the lady in 2 John, it would be wise not to accommodate this false teaching.
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