Romans 12
1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
My fellow believers, since God has acted mercifully [toward you] in so many ways, I appeal to [all of] you that you present yourselves [SYN] [to him by making yourselves like] holy sacrifices [MET]. [Make yourselves sacrifices] that he is pleased with, sacrifices that are living/alive, [not ones that are dead/killed. Since God has done so much for you/us], this is the [only] appropriate way to serve him.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. (aiōn g165)
Do not let anything non-Christian determine how you should act. Instead, let God change your [way of life] by making your way of thinking new, in order that you may know what he wants you to do. That is, you will know what is good, and you will know what pleases [God], and you will know how to be all that he wants you to be. (aiōn g165)
3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
Because God has kindly appointed me [to be his apostle], which I did not deserve, I say this to every one of you: Do not think about yourselves more highly than what is right for you to think! Instead, think [about yourselves] in a sensible way that [corresponds to the abilities] that God has given you [because] you trust [in Christ].
4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members do not have the same function,
Although a person has one body, it consists of many parts. All of the parts are needed for [the body], but they do not all function the same way.
5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Similarly we, [although we are] many, are [united into] one group because of our relationship with Christ, and we belong to one another. [So no one should act as though he] is needed by God more [than others are!]
6 And we have different gifts according to the grace that was given to us. If prophecy, according to the proportion of the faith;
[Instead], since each one of us can do various things that differ according to the abilities that [God has] given to us, [we should do them diligently and cheerfully]! Those whom [God has enabled] to speak messages from him [should speak] what corresponds to what they believe [God told them].
7 if service, in the service; if teaching, in the teaching;
[Those whom God has enabled] to serve [others] should do that. [Those whom God has enabled] to teach [his truth] should do that.
8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, in generosity; leading, in diligence; showing mercy, in cheerfulness.
Those [whom God has enabled to] encourage/exhort [his people] should do that. Those who share [their goods/money with others] should do it sincerely/generously. Those who lead [the congregation] should do it wholeheartedly. Those who help the needy should do it cheerfully.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
Love others sincerely! Hate what is evil! Continue to eagerly do what [God considers to be] good!
10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; outdo one another in showing honor;
Love one another as members of the same family do; and, you should be (the first ones/eager) to honor each other!
11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Do not be lazy. [Instead], be eager [to serve the Lord] God!
12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Rejoice because you are confidently awaiting [what God will do for you]! When you suffer, be patient! Keep praying and never give up!
13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
If any of God’s people lacks anything, share with them [what you have]! Readily take care of [travelers who need a place to stay]!
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
[Ask God to] be kind to those who (persecute you/cause you to suffer) [because you believe in Jesus! Ask him to] be kind to them; do not [ask him to] cause bad things to happen to them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.
If someone is joyful, you should rejoice also! If someone is sad, you should also be sad!
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with the humble. Do not be conceited.
Desire for others what you desire for yourselves (OR, Live harmoniously with each other)! Do not do things because you want to be [famous]! Instead, be content to do [tasks that others consider that only] unimportant people do (OR, [to associate with unimportant] people). Do not consider yourselves wise.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all people.
Do not do something evil to anyone [who has done] something evil to you. Act in a way that all people will recognize as good!
18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all people.
Live peacefully with other people whenever it is possible, to the extent that you [can influence the situation].
19 Do not seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for the wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."
[My fellow believers] whom I love, do not do something evil in return when people do something evil to you! Instead, allow [God] to punish them [MTY], because it is {someone has} written [in the Scriptures that] the Lord [said], “‘It is my responsibility to take revenge; I am the one who will punish [people who do something something evil to you] [DOU],’ says the Lord.”
20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Instead of [doing something evil to those who have done something evil to you], [do as the Scriptures teach]: “If your [(sg)] enemies are hungry, feed them! If they are thirsty, give them something to drink! By doing that, you [(sg)] will cause them to feel ashamed [and perhaps they will change their attitude toward you] [IDM].”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Do not let evil [things that others have done to you] overcome you [(sg) by making you do evil things to them!] [PRS] Instead, overcome the evil [things that they have done] by [doing] good [deeds to them]!
