Greeting
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1The elder to the elect lady and her children, 2whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who 3know 4the truth,
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5because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
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6Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.
Walking in Truth and Love
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7I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
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And now I ask you, dear lady--8not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning--9that we love one another.
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And 10this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just 11as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
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For 12many deceivers 13have gone out into the world, 14those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
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Watch yourselves, 15so that you may not lose what wea have worked for, but 16may win a full reward.
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Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, 17does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching 18has both the Father and the Son.
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If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, 19do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,
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for whoever greets him 20takes part in his wicked works.
Final Greetings
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21Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. 22Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, 23so that our joy may be complete.
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The children of your elect sister greet you.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)