CHAPTER 1
The
elder,
To the chosen
lady
and
her
children,
whom
I
love
in
the truth—
and
not
I
alone,
but
also
all
who
know
the
truth—
Grace,
mercy,
and peace
be
with
us
in
truth
and
love
from
God
the Father
and
from
Jesus
Christ,
the
Son
of the
Father.
I was overjoyed
to
find
some of
your
children
walking
in
the truth,
just as
the
Father
has commanded
us.
And
now
I urge
you,
dear lady—
not
as
a new
commandment
to you,
but
one
we have had
from
the beginning—
that
we love
one another.
And
this
is
love,
that
we walk
according to
His
commandments.
This
is
the
very
commandment
you have heard
from
the beginning,
that
you must walk
in
love.
For
many
deceivers
have gone out
into
the
world,
refusing
to confess
the coming of
Jesus
Christ
in
the flesh.
Any such person
is
the
deceiver
and
the
antichrist.
Watch
yourselves,
so that
you do not lose
what
we have worked for,
that
you may be fully rewarded.
Anyone
who
runs ahead
without
remaining
in
the
teaching
of Christ
does not have
God.
Whoever
remains
in
His
teaching
has
both
the
Father
and
the
Son.
If
anyone
comes
to
you
but
does not bring
this
teaching,
do not
receive
him
into
your home
or
even
greet
him.
I have
many things
to write
you,
but I would prefer
not
to use
paper
and
ink.
Instead,
I hope
to come
and
speak
with
you
face
to
face,
so that
our
joy
may be
complete.