Galatians 4:12 – 20

¹²Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are.  You did me no wrong.  ¹³You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, ¹⁴and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.  ¹⁵What then has become of your blessedness?  For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.  ¹⁶Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?  ¹⁷They make much of you, but for no good purpose.  They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.  ¹⁸It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, ¹⁹my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!  ²⁰I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.