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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.