by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.

Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Through these things the world existing at that time was destroyed when it was deluged with water.

Thus we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments.

The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.

Nevertheless you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.

For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another,

Therefore do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue but in deed and truth.

Dear friends, if God so loved us, then we also ought to love one another.

Dear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).

Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing – the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church!

These people are divisive, worldly, devoid of the Spirit.

I am also aware that you have persisted steadfastly, endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary.

In the same way, there are also some among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Listen! I am going to make those people from the synagogue of Satan – who say they are Jews yet are not, but are lying – Look, I will make them come and bow down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown.

They were singing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation.

They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth.