# General Information:

John explains why he is writing his letter either to different age groups or to believers with differences in maturity. Try to use similar wording for these sentences, as they are written poetically.

# you, little children

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, my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# your sins are forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God forgives your sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# because of his name

"his name" refers to Christ and who he is. Alternate translation: "because of what Christ has done for you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])