13 For you were called(A) to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity[a] for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled(B) in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.[b](C) 15 But if you bite and devour(D) one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 I say, then, walk by the Spirit(E) and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires(F) what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.(G) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious:[c] sexual immorality,(H) moral impurity,(I) promiscuity,(J) 20 idolatry,(K) sorcery,(L) hatreds,(M) strife,(N) jealousy,(O) outbursts of anger,(P) selfish ambitions,(Q) dissensions,(R) factions,(S) 21 envy,[d](T) drunkenness, carousing,(U) and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.(V)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit(W) is love,(X) joy,(Y) peace, patience,(Z) kindness,(AA) goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,(AB) and self-control.(AC) The law is not against such things.[e]

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Footnotes

  1. 5:13 Lit a pretext; a military term for abuse of position
  2. 5:14 Lv 19:18
  3. 5:19 Other mss add adultery,
  4. 5:21 Other mss add murders,
  5. 5:23 Or Against such things there is no law

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