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elder:
To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not I only, 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 It gave me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I urge you—although not as though I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commands. This is the command just as you have heard it from the beginning: His command is that you must walk in love.
7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. Any such person is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Be on your guard that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who does not abide in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it does not have God. Whoever 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 home or welcome him; 11 for to make him welcome is to share in his evil deeds.
12 I have many things to write to you, but I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister send you greetings.