Delete me

1 The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth— and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth— 2 for the truth's sake, which dwells in us and shall be with us forever: 3 grace, mercy, and peace be with you, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found some of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5 And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but what we had from the beginning— that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have entered into the world who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we not lose those things that we have worked for, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If there comes anyone to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house or bid him Godspeed. 11 For he who bids him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds. 12 Having many things to write to you, I do not want to write with paper and ink, but I trust to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.