Galatians 4:8-20

8However at that time, 1when you did not know God, you were 2slaves to 3those which by nature are not gods. 9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be 4known by God, 5how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless 67elementary principles, to which you want to be enslaved all over again? 10You 8meticulously observe days and months and seasons and years. 11I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored 9over you in vain.

12I beg of you, 10brothers and sisters, 11become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; 13but you know that it was because of a 12bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the 13first time; 14and you did not despise that which was a trial to you in my 14bodily condition, nor express contempt, but 15you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15Where then is 16that sense of blessing you had? For I testify about you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16So have I become your enemy 17by 18telling you the truth? 17They eagerly seek you, not 19in a commendable way, but they want to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18But it is good always to be eagerly sought 20in a commendable way, and 21not only when I am present with you. 1922My children, with whom 23I am again in labor until 24Christ is formed in you-- 20but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for 25I am at a loss about you!