1From the elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I truly love; and not only I, but also all those who know the truth;
2because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever:
3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4I was very happy to find some of your children living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded us.
5And now, dear lady, I am not writing a new command to you, but the one we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.
6Love means living according to his commands. This is the command, just as you heard from the beginning, that you should live by it.
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Antichrist.
8Be careful so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may receive your full reward.
9Anyone who goes too far and does not stick to the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever sticks to the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not welcome them into your home or give them any greeting,
11because anyone who welcomes him shares in his evil actions.
12I have many things I want to write to you, but I don't want to do it with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you in person, so that our happiness may be complete.
13The children of your chosen sister send their greetings. Amen.