Galatians 4:19

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am again deeply pained [as a woman in childbirth] over your [spiritual] condition, until [the life of] Christ becomes formed in your character.

Cross References

Romans 8:29

For [that class of] persons whom God knew beforehand He also predetermined to become conformed to the [spiritual] likeness of His Son, so that He could be the firstborn One among [His] many brothers [i.e., so He could be the preeminent example to all His followers. See Heb. 2:11].

Ephesians 4:13

[This is to be done] until we all [eventually] arrive at unity of the faith and full knowledge of the Son of God; at complete [spiritual] maturity; at the [full] height of Christ’s [spiritual] stature.

Romans 13:14

But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].

Ephesians 4:24

And you should put on the new person who has been [re-] created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you [See 1:7; 4:9], a slave of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always struggles in his prayers on your behalf so that you will remain mature and be fully convinced [that you are living] by all that God wants [for your life].

Colossians 3:10

and have put on the new person, who is being [daily] renewed with full knowledge, according to the image of God, who [re-] created him.

Philippians 2:5

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did.

James 1:18

It was God’s purpose to bring us into being [spiritually] by the message of truth, so that we could become a kind of “first fruits” of those He created. [Note: “First fruits” here suggests either that Christians are the best of all of God’s creatures (Num. 18:12), or that they were the first to be converted, with many more to come].

Philemon 1:10

I appeal to you on behalf of my son, Onesimus, whom I [spiritually] conceived while [here] in prison.

Colossians 1:27

He was pleased to make known to these people the wealth of His splendor among the Gentiles; this hidden secret, which is Christ among you, [is] the hope of being honored [i.e., in heaven].

Colossians 2:1

I want you to know how much I am struggling for you [Note: This probably refers to the great effort Paul was exerting in prayer, preaching, etc.], and for those at Laodicia [Note: This was a town about ten miles west of Colosse], and for all those who have never met me in person.

Philippians 2:17

But even if I am poured out like a drink offering [See Ex. 29:38-41] on the sacrifice and service produced by your faith, I am glad and will rejoice with all of you. [Note: Paul here likens the possible pouring out of his blood to the wine and oil of the Old Testament sacrifice, which is then likened to the Philippians’ faithful service to God].

Philippians 1:8

For God is my witness that I long to see you with the [same] affection that Christ Jesus has [for you].

1 John 5:21

Little children [i.e., dear ones], protect yourselves from [worshiping] idols.

1 John 2:12

I am writing to you, little children [i.e., dear ones], because you have been forgiven of your sins for [the sake of] Christ’s name.

1 John 2:1

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am writing this to you so that you will not sin anymore. But if anyone does sin, we have Someone to go to the Father on our behalf; it is Jesus Christ, the [only] righteous One.

Hebrews 5:7

During His life on earth Jesus offered up prayers and special requests with loud crying and tears to God, who was able to save Him from dying, and He was heard because of His [earnest] devotion [to God].

Titus 1:4

[It is being sent] to Titus, my true son, [who shares] in a common faith. [May you have] unearned favor and peace [which come] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Philemon 1:19

I, Paul, am writing this in my own handwriting: I will pay you back. [But] I will not mention that you owe me your own self, as well.

1 Timothy 1:2

[It is being sent] to Timothy, my true son in the faith [i.e., in the realm of Christianity, not in a physical sense]. May you have unearned favor, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 22:44

And He became anguished as He prayed more fervently; even His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

2 Corinthians 12:14

Now, this is the third time I have been ready to come to you, and I will not be a[financial] burden to you. For I do not want your possessions but you yourselves, because children should not [have to] save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

1 Thessalonians 2:7

But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

3 John 1:4

I do not have any greater joy than to hear that my [spiritual] children are living according to the truth.