[1] From: John, the old Elder of the church. To: That dear woman Cyria, one of God's very own, and to her children whom I love so much, as does everyone else in the church. [2] Since the Truth is in our hearts forever, [3] God the Father and Jesus Christ his Son will bless us with great mercy and much peace, and with truth and love. [4] How happy I am to find some of your children here and to see that they are living as they should, following the Truth, obeying God's command. [5] And now I want to urgently remind you, dear friends, of the old rule God gave us right from the beginning, that Christians should love one another. [6] If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other. [7] Watch out for the false leaders-and there are many of them around-who don't believe that Jesus Christ came to earth as a human being with a body like ours. Such people are against the truth and against Christ. [8] Beware of being like them and losing the prize that you and I have been working so hard to get. See to it that you win your full reward from the Lord. [9] For if you wander beyond the teaching of Christ, you will leave God behind; while if you are loyal to Christ's teachings, you will have God too. Then you will have both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to teach you, and he doesn't believe what Christ taught, don't even invite him into your home. Don't encourage him in any way. [11] If you do, you will be a partner with him in his wickedness. [12] Well, I would like to say much more, but I don't want to say it in this letter, for I hope to come to see you soon, and then we can talk over these things together and have a joyous time. [13] Greetings from the children of your sister-another choice child of God. Sincerely, John
