Galatians 4:9-20

9But now you have come to know God—or rather you have come to be known by God. So how can you turn back again to those weak and worthless principles? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?

10You observe days and months and seasons and years.

11I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain!

12I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong—

13you know it was because of a physical ailment that I proclaimed the Good News to you the first time;

14and though my physical condition was a trial to you, you did not hate or reject me. No, you welcomed me as a messenger of God—or even as Messiah Yeshua.

15So where is your sense of joy? For I testify that you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me, if possible.

16So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?!

17Others zealously court you—not in a good way, but they wish to shut you out so that you will court them.

18To be courted is good, but let it always be in a good way—and not just when I am there with you.

19My dear children! Again I suffer labor pains until Messiah is formed in you.

20I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, for I don’t know what to make of you.