1 The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth,

2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.

4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.

5 And now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in love.

7 For many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward.

9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting;

11 for he who greets him shares in his wicked work.

12 Though I have much to write to you, I do not want to use paper and ink, but I hope to come to see you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

13 The children of your chosen sister greet you.