1. 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,
2. because the truth which dwells in us shall be with us for eternity.
3. 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.
4. I was very glad because I discovered some of your sons walking in the truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father.
5. 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.