[1] This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth—
[2] because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever.
[3] Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.
[4] How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded.
[5] I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning.
[6] Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.
[7] I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist.
[8] Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.
[9] Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.
[10] If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement.
[11] Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.
[12] I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.
[13] Greetings from the children of your sister, chosen by God.