Bear One Another's Burdens

1Brethren, if anybody be detected in any misconduct, you who are spiritual should restore such a one in a spirit of meekness. And let each of you keep watch over himself, lest he also fall into temptation. 2Always carry one another's burdens, and so obey the whole of Christ's Law. 3For if there is any one who thinks himself to be somebody when he is nobody, he is deluding himself. 4But let every man scrutinize his own conduct, and then he will find out, not with reference to another but with reference to himself, what he has to boast of. 5For every man will have to carry his own load.

6But let those who receive instruction in Christian truth share with their instructors all temporal blessings. 7Do not deceive yourselves. God is not to be scoffed at. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8He who sows in the field of his lower nature, will from that nature reap destruction; but he who sows to serve the Spirit will from the Spirit reap the Life of the Ages. 9Let us not abate our courage in doing what is right; for in due time we shall reap a reward, if we do not faint. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us labour for the good of all, and especially of those who belong to the household of the faith.

Paul's Final Warning

11See in what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12All who desire to display their zeal for external observances try to compel you to receive circumcision, but their real object is simply to escape being persecuted for the Cross of Christ. 13For these very men do not really keep the Law of Moses, but they would have you receive circumcision in order that they may glory in *your* bodies. 14But as for me, God forbid that I should glory in anything except the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, upon which the world is crucified to me, and I am crucified to the world. 15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any importance; but only a renewed nature.

Benediction

16And all who shall regulate their lives by this principle—may peace and mercy be given to them—and to the true Israel of God.

17From this time onward let no one trouble me; for, as for me, I bear, branded on my body, the scars of Jesus as my Master.

18May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits, brethren. Amen.