The elder rejoices that some of the children are “walking in the truth” (2 John 1:4). He ties this to living “according to his commandments,” which he says is what love looks like (2 John 1:6). In the letter, walking in truth is presented as an observable pattern of obedience (2 John 1:4–6).
In 2 John 1:4 the writer says he is deeply glad because he has come across some of the lady’s “children” living in a way that matches “the truth.” He frames this not as a private preference but as obedience: their way of life lines up with what “we” have been directed to do by “the Father.” The verse connects joy, visible conduct, and a shared standard of. This line comes right after the opening greeting and blessing (verses 1–3) and works as a warm bridge into the letter’s later requests and warnings. The writer has already emphasized shared love “in truth” and a common bond between writer and recipients.
2 John 1:4 links the writer’s joy to something he has “found” about the recipient’s “children”: at least some are “walking in” truth. The verse treats “truth” as something you can live in, not only something you can say.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with 2 John 1:4, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
4I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.