8But then, on the other hand, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those who by nature are not gods.9Now, however, having come to know God—or rather having been known by God—how is it that you are turning back again to the weak and poor elemental principles to which you desire once more to be enslaved?10You are observing days and months and seasons and years.11I am afraid for you, lest somehow I have labored over you in vain.12Become as I am, for I also became as you are, brothers; I beg you, you have done me no wrong.13You know, moreover, that it was because of a weakness of the flesh that I first preached the gospel to you.14And though you were tested by my flesh, you did not despise or reject me, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.15Where then is that former sense of blessing you had? For I testify concerning you that, if it had been possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me.16Consequently I have become your enemy by telling you the truth.17They are zealous for you, yet not in a good way; rather, they want to shut you out so that you may be zealous for them.18It is good to be zealous for the good at all times, and not only when I am present with you.19My children, with whom I am again in labor pains until Christ is formed in you.20I wish, then, to be present with you now and to change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.