Study Desk

Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle^(a) spirit,^(b) watching out for yourselves so you also won't be tempted.^(c)

Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.^(d)

For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing,^(e) he deceives himself.

But each person should examine his own work,^(f) and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else.

For each person will have to carry his own load.

The one who is taught the message must share^(g) all his good things with the teacher.

Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap,

because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit^(h) will reap eternal life⁽ⁱ⁾ from the Spirit.

So we must not get tired^(j) of doing good,^(k) for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work^(l) for the good^(m) of all, especially for those who belong to the household⁽ⁿ⁾ of faith.^(o)

Look at what large letters I use as I write to you in my own handwriting.

Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh^(p) are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised^(q)—but only to avoid being persecuted^(r) for the cross^(s) of Christ.

For even the circumcised don't keep^(t) the law themselves; however, they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh.

But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world.

For^[a] both circumcision and uncircumcision^(u) mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.^(v)

May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy to the Israel^(w) of God!

From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body scars for the cause of Jesus.^(x)

Brothers, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^(y) Amen.