Romans 12

1 I BESEECH you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

For this reason I make request to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you will give your bodies as a living offering, holy, pleasing to God, which is the worship it is right for you to give him.

2 And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renovation of your mind, that you may prove by experience what is the will of God, that is good, acceptable, and perfect. (aiōn g165)

And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God. (aiōn g165)

3 For, I say, by the grace which is given unto me, to every one that is among you, not to think of himself above what he ought to think; but to think soberly, as God has divided to every one the measure of faith.

But I say to every one of you, through the grace given to me, not to have an over-high opinion of himself, but to have wise thoughts, as God has given to every one a measure of faith.

4 For as we have in one body many members, but the members, though many, have not the same function,

For, as we have a number of parts in one body, but all the parts have not the same use,

5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one reciprocally members of each other.

So we, though we are a number of persons, are one body in Christ, and are dependent on one another;

6 Having then different gifts according to the grace which is given unto us, if it be prophecy, speak according to the analogy of faith;

And having different qualities by reason of the grace given to us, such as the quality of a prophet, let it be made use of in relation to the measure of our faith;

7 or if the deacon’s office, be active in the service; or he that teacheth, in teaching;

Or the position of a Deacon of the church, let a man give himself to it; or he who has the power of teaching, let him make use of it;

8 or he that exhorteth, in exhortation; he that distributes, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth, with diligence; he that is employed in acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

He who has the power of comforting, let him do so; he who gives, let him give freely; he who has the power of ruling, let him do it with a serious mind; he who has mercy on others, let it be with joy.

9 Let love be undissembled. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Let love be without deceit. Be haters of what is evil; keep your minds fixed on what is good.

10 In brotherly affection be tenderly attached to each other; in honour preferring one another:

Be kind to one another with a brother's love, putting others before yourselves in honour;

11 not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord:

Be not slow in your work, but be quick in spirit, as the Lord's servants;

12 rejoicing in hope; patient in affliction; persevering in prayer:

Being glad in hope, quiet in trouble, at all times given to prayer,

13 communicating to the wants of the saints; prompt to hospitality.

Giving to the needs of the saints, ready to take people into your houses.

14 Bless them who persecute you; bless, and curse not.

Give blessing and not curses to those who are cruel to you.

15 Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.

Take part in the joy of those who are glad, and in the grief of those who are sorrowing.

16 Be of the same mind among each other. Affect not high things, but be condescending to the lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Be in harmony with one another. Do not have a high opinion of yourselves, but be in agreement with common people. Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom.

17 Render to no man evil for evil. Be provident of things laudable in the sight of all men.

Do not give evil for evil to any man. Let all your business be well ordered in the eyes of all men.

18 If possible, as far as you can, be at peace with all men.

As far as it is possible for you be at peace with all men.

19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, “Vengeance belongeth to me; I will recompence, saith the Lord.”

Do not give punishment for wrongs done to you, dear brothers, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is said in the holy Writings, Punishment is mine, I will give reward, says the Lord.

20 If therefore thine enemy hunger, give him food; if he thirst, give him drink: for so doing, thou shalt heap up coals of fire on his head.

But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good.