¹⁵ I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.^(A)

¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.^(A) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[a] you want.^(B)

¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.^{(A) 20} Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.^(B)

² We all stumble^(A) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say^(B) is perfect,^(C) able to keep their whole body in check.^(D)

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(A) but I press on to take hold^(B) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(C) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(D) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(E) toward the goal to win the prize^(F) for which God has called^(G) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere.^(A) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.^(B)

²³ save others by snatching them from the fire;^(A) to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.^[a](B)