1<\/sup>The Elder to the Elect Lady, and those born of her, whom I love in the truth: and not I alone, but also all those who have known the truth,<\/span> <\/p>\n 2<\/sup>because the truth which dwells in us shall be with us for eternity.<\/span> <\/p>\n 3<\/sup>May grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus, the Son of the Father, in truth and in love.<\/span> <\/p>\n 4<\/sup>I was very glad because I discovered some of your sons walking in the truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father.<\/span> <\/p>\n 5<\/sup>And now I petition you, Lady, not as if writing a new commandment to you, but instead that commandment which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.<\/span> <\/p>\n 6<\/sup>And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. For this is the commandment that you have heard in the same way from the beginning, and in which you should walk.<\/span> <\/p>\n 7<\/sup>For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh. Such a one as this is a deceiver and an antichrist.<\/span> <\/p>\n 8<\/sup>Be cautious for yourselves, lest you lose what you have accomplished, and so that, instead, you may receive a full reward.<\/span> <\/p>\n 9<\/sup>Everyone who withdraws and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. Whoever remains in the doctrine, such a one as this has both the Father and the Son.<\/span> <\/p>\n 10<\/sup>If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not be willing to receive him into the house, and do not speak a greeting to him.<\/span> <\/p>\n 11<\/sup>For whoever speaks a greeting to him, is speaking with his evil works.<\/span> <\/p>\n 12<\/sup>I have much more to write to you, but I am not willing to do so through paper and ink. For I hope that I may be with you in the future, and that I may speak face to face, so that your joy may be full.<\/span> <\/p>\n 13<\/sup>The sons of your Elect Sister greet you.<\/span> <\/p>\n