Carry One Another’s Burdens

¹ Brothers, even if a person is caught in some trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of humility, looking out for yourself, lest you also be tempted.

² Carry the burdens of one another, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

³ For if anyone thinks he is something although he¹ is nothing, he is deceiving himself.

1. *Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“is”) which is understood as concessive

⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in someone else.

⁵ For each one will carry his own burden.

Do Good to All People

⁶ Now the one who is taught the word must share in all good things with the one who teaches.

⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked, for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap,

⁸ because the one who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.

⁹ And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we¹ do not give up.

1. *Here “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“give up”) which is understood as conditional

¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.

A Final Warning

¹¹ See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

¹² As many as are wanting to make a good showing in the flesh, these are attempting to compel¹ you to be circumcised, only so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

1. *The present tense has been translated as conative here (“are attempting”)

¹³ For not even those who are circumcised observe the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised in order that they may boast in your flesh.

¹⁴ But as for me, may it never be that I boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

¹⁵ For neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

¹⁶ And all those who follow this rule, peace and mercy be on them and on the Israel of God.

Conclusion and Benediction

¹⁷ Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.