Romans 12
1 So I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, because of God's compassion for you, to dedicate your bodies as a living offering that is holy and pleasing to God. This is the logical way to worship.
Now then, brothers, I exhort you, in view of God's compassions, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, satisfying to God—your intelligent duty.
2 Don't follow the ways of this world; instead be transformed by the spiritual renewal of your mind so you can demonstrate what God's will really is—good, pleasing, and perfect. (aiōn g165)
Yes, stop conforming to the pattern of this world; rather, be transformed by the renewing of your mind so as to be able to experience the good and satisfying and perfect will of God. (aiōn g165)
3 Let me explain to all of you, through the grace given to me, that no one should think of themselves better than they ought to. You should think about yourselves realistically, according to the degree of trust God has shared with you.
Based on the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to set your sights higher than you should, but set them sensibly, as God has apportioned a measure of faith to each.
4 Just as there are many parts to the body, but they don't all do the same thing,
Because just as in one body we have many parts, but all the parts do not have the same function,
5 so we are one body in Christ, even though we are many—and we all belong to one another.
so we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.
6 We each have different gifts that vary according to the grace given to us. So if it's speaking for God, then you should do so depending on how much you trust in God.
Since we have different spiritual gifts according to the grace that was given us, let us use them: if prophecy, according to the analogy of the Faith;
7 If it's the ministry of service then you should serve; if teaching then you should teach;
if serving, in the serving; if teaching, in the teaching;
8 if encouragement then you should encourage; if giving then you should give generously; if leadership then you should lead with commitment; if being merciful then you should do so gladly.
if exhorting, in the exhortation; the sharer, with simplicity; the leader, with diligence; the mercy-shower, with cheerfulness.
9 Love must be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold on tightly to what is good.
Love is to be genuine: abhorring the malignant; clinging to the good;
10 Be completely dedicated to each other in your love as family; value others more than yourselves.
showing family affection to one another in brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
11 Don't be unwilling to work hard; serve the Lord with an enthusiastic spirit.
not lagging in diligence; serving the Lord with an enthusiastic spirit;
12 Remain cheerful in the hope you have, put up with the troubles that come, keep on praying.
rejoicing in the hope; enduring the affliction; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 Share in providing for the needs of God's people, and welcome strangers with hospitality.
distributing to the needs of the saints; practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you—bless them, and don't curse them.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Be happy with those who are happy; cry with those who are crying.
Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
16 Think about one another. Don't consider yourself more important than others; live humbly. Don't be conceited.
Regard each other as being on the same level—do not distinguish the upper classes, but associate with the lower classes; do not exalt yourself.
17 Don't pay back anyone evil for evil. Make sure you show everybody that what you're doing is good,
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Have regard for things that everyone considers to be good.
18 and as far as it's up to you, live at peace with everyone.
If possible, what depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 My dear friends, don't seek revenge, but leave it to God to execute judgment—as Scripture points out, “‘It's for me to dispense justice, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Dear ones, do not avenge yourselves; rather give place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is up to me; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 If those who hate you are hungry, give them food; if they're thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing so you pile fiery coals on their heads.
Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Don't be defeated by evil—conquer evil with good.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome the evil with the good.
