Galatians 4:8-20

8When you didn’t know God, you were slaves to things which are really not gods at all.

9But now you know God, or rather, God knows you. So how can you turn back again to the powerless and bankrupt principles of this world? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again?

10You religiously observe days, months, seasons, and years!

11I’m afraid for you. Maybe the hard work I spent on you has been wasted.

12Brothers and sisters, I beg you to become like me. After all, I became like you were. You didn’t do anything wrong to me.

13You know that the first time I brought you the Good News I was ill.

14Even though my illness was difficult for you, you didn’t despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were God’s messenger  or Christ Jesus himself.

15What happened to your positive attitude? It’s a fact that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

16Can it be that I have become your enemy for telling you the truth?

17These people ⌞who distort the Good News⌟ are devoted to you, but not in a good way. They don’t want you to associate with me so that you will be devoted only to them.

18(Devotion to a good cause is always good, even when I’m not with you.)

19My children, I am suffering birth pains for you again until Christ is formed in you.

20I wish I were with you right now so that I could change the tone of my voice. I’m completely puzzled by what you’ve done!