[0] And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should
love his brother also. [1] The elder to the elect 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 for ever:
[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 following the truth, just as we have been
commanded by the Father. [5] And now I beg 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 follow his
commandments; this is the commandment, as you have heard from the
beginning, that you follow love. [7] For many deceivers have gone out into
the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the
flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. [8] Look to
yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a
full reward. [9] Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine
of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the
Father and the Son. [10] If any one comes to you and does not bring this
doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; [11]
for he who greets him shares his wicked work. [12] Though I have much to
write to you, I would rather not 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 elect sister greet you.
