6 Because you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. He is the Holy Spirit. By his power we call God "[Abba.]" Abba means Father.
7 So you aren't slaves any longer. You are God's children. Because you are his children, he gives you what he promised to give his people.
8 At one time you didn't know God. You were slaves to gods that are really not gods at all.
9 But now you know God. Even better, God knows you. So why are you turning back to those weak and worthless beliefs? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again?
10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
11 I am afraid for you. I am afraid that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
12 I make my appeal to you, brothers and sisters. I'm asking you to become like me. After all, I became like you. You didn't do anything wrong to me.