Brothers, I will use an illustration from the way people deal with each other: Even though an agreement is made between people, once it is finally settled, no one can cancel it or include additional provisions to it.

So each one of you is no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir, too, through God's grace.

For you brothers were called [by God] to enjoy your freedom; but do not use this freedom as an excuse for living a sinful life; instead, use it to render loving service to each other.

But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you are not destroyed by each other.

For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.

Let us not become conceited, provoking each other, envying each other.

Brethren, if anybody be detected in any misconduct, you who are spiritual should restore such a one in a spirit of meekness. And let each of you keep watch over himself, lest he also fall into temptation.

Practice carrying each other's burdens. In this way you will fulfill the law of the Messiah.

But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.

For each man shall bear his own burden.