Definition: And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It's a really important and comforting one! Here's what it means in simpler terms: “And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” Let’s unpack it: “And now I beseech thee…” – This is a gentle plea or request. It's like saying "Please consider this carefully." “…not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee…” - This is the tricky part! The writer isn’t talking about a specific, urgent religious command we need to follow right now. He’s not telling us to do something drastic or that we have to sacrifice anything. He's saying he’s not giving you a new rule to follow based on some impending event. “…but that which we had from the beginning…” – This refers back to the idea of God’s original plan for humanity. Think of it like a blueprint. God created humans with a natural tendency to love each other, and this is a part of who we are as people. “…that we love one another.” - This is the core message. It means that everyone , regardless of their background or situation, should treat each other with kindness, compassion, and respect. It’s about genuine affection and caring for others. In short, the verse is saying: God wants us to prioritize loving each other – it's a fundamental part of who we are as people, and that’s something he wants us to actively practice. What does this verse mean for us ? It reminds us that our relationships with others are important, and that love is a core value that God has instilled in us. It encourages us to treat everyone with respect and kindness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 John? Discuss the context of this verse (where it comes from)? Talk about how this verse relates to broader Christian teachings?