1The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, 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, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love.
4I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father.
5And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I am writing you a new commandment, but 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 have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world—those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. Such a 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.
9Anyone who goes beyond and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.