Romans 12
1
Therefore, I
urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual[1] act of
worship.
2
Do not conform
any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his
good, pleasing and perfect will.
3
For by the grace
given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than
you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with
the measure of faith God has given you.
4
Just as each of
us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same
function,
5
so in Christ we
who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6
We have
different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[2] faith.
7
If it is
serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8
if it is
encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others,
let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it
is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9
Love must be
sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10
Be devoted to
one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11
Never be lacking
in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12
Be joyful in
hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13
Share with God's
people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14
Bless those who
persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15
Rejoice with
those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16
Live in harmony
with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of
low position.[3]
Do not be conceited.
17
Do not repay
anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18
If it is
possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19
Do not take
revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:
"It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[4] says the
Lord.
20
On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something
to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[5]
21
Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.