1 The 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.
2 Because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever.
3 Grace, 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.
4 I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father.
5 And 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.
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 it.
7 For 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.
8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward.
9 Anyone 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.