| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Berean Study Bible |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth— |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13The children of your elect sister send you greetings. |
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