John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
The phrases "in word" and "in tongue" both refer to what a person says. Alternate translation: "do not just say that you love people, but show that you truly love people by helping them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
# in actions and truth
The words "let us love" are understood here. Alternate translation: "let us love in actions and truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
See in Reader
