See what large letters I wrote to you with my hand.
As many as wish to make a good showing in flesh,
they are forcing you to be circumcised
only not be persecuted on account of the cross of Christ.
For the ‘circumcisers’’ do not keep the Law themselves,
but they wish you to be circumcised,
so that they might boast in regard to your flesh.
But may boasting never be mine except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by which the world has been crucified to me,
and me to the world.
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything
– but new creation!
And as many who keep this rule
peace upon them and mercy
even upon the Israel of God.
From now on let no-one cause me trouble.
For I bear the marks of Jesus in my body.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with your spirit, brothers and sisters,
Amen.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.