1The elder, to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in truth—and not I only but also all who have come to know the truth—
2because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever—
3Grace, mercy, peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, just as we received a commandment from the Father.
5And now I ask you, lady—not as though writing a new commandment to you, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
6And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you heard from the beginning, that you walk in it.
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward.
9Everyone who goes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God; the one who remains in the teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.
10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not say to him, “Greetings.”
11For the one who says “Greetings” to him shares in his evil works.
12Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and to speak mouth to mouth, so that our joy may be complete.
13The children of your chosen sister greet you.
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