[1] From the church leader. To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love because we share the truth. I'm not the only one who loves you. Everyone who knows the truth also loves you. [2] We love you because of the truth which lives in us and will be with us forever. [3] Good will, mercy, and peace will be with us. They come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, who in truth and love is the Father's Son. [4] I was very happy to find some of your children living in the truth as the Father has commanded us. [5] Dear lady, I'm now requesting that we continue to love each other. It's not as though I'm writing to give you a new commandment. Rather, from the beginning we were commanded to love each other. [6] Love means that we live by doing what he commands. We were commanded to live in love, and you have heard this from the beginning. [7] Many people who deceive others have gone into the world. They refuse to declare that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood. This is the mark of a deceiver and an antichrist. [8] Be careful that you don't destroy what we've worked for, but that you receive your full reward. [9] Everyone who doesn't continue to teach what Christ taught doesn't have God. The person who continues to teach what Christ taught has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and doesn't bring these teachings, don't take him into your home or even greet him. [11] Whoever greets him shares the evil things he's doing. [12] I have a lot to write to you. I would prefer not to write a letter. Instead, I hope to visit and talk things over with you personally. Then we will be completely filled with joy. [13] The children of your chosen sister greet you.
