Romans 12
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living, holy sacrifice, unto God acceptable, —your rational divine 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 be not configuring yourselves unto this age, but be transforming yourselves by the renewing of your mind, to the end ye may be proving what is the thing willed by God—the good and acceptable and perfect. (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 favour which hath been given me, unto every one who is among you, —not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but so to think as to think soberly—as, unto each one, God hath dealt 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, just as in one body we have many members, yet, all the members, have not the same office,
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, the many, are one body in Christ, yet, severally, 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 Now, having gifts of favour, according to the favour given unto us, differing—whether prophesying, [let us use it] according to the proportion of our 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 Or ministering, [use it] in our ministering, or he that teacheth, [let him use his gift] in his 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 Or he that exhorteth, in his exhorting, he that imparteth, [let it be] with liberality, he that taketh a lead, with diligence, he that sheweth mercy, with 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 Your love, [be] without hypocrisy, —loathing that which is wicked, cleaving to that which is good;
Love others sincerely! Hate what is evil! Continue to eagerly do what [God considers to be] good!
10 In your brotherly love, unto one another, being tenderly affectioned, in honour, unto one another, giving preference;
Love one another as members of the same family do; and, you should be (the first ones/eager) to honor each other!
11 In business, not slothful, in spirit, fervent, to the Lord, doing service,
Do not be lazy. [Instead], be eager [to serve the Lord] God!
12 In hope, rejoicing, in tribulation, enduring, in prayer, persevering,
Rejoice because you are confidently awaiting [what God will do for you]! When you suffer, be patient! Keep praying and never give up!
13 With the needs of the saints, having fellowship, —hospitality, pursuing.
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 them that persecute, 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 them that rejoice, weep with them that weep:
If someone is joyful, you should rejoice also! If someone is sad, you should also be sad!
16 The same thing, one to another regarding, —not the lofty things regarding, but, by the lowly, being led along. Be not getting presumptuous in your own opinion:
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 Unto no one, evil for evil rendering: providing honourable things before all men:
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 possible—so far as dependeth on you, with all men being at peace:
Live peacefully with other people whenever it is possible, to the extent that you [can influence the situation].
19 Not avenging, yourselves, beloved, but give place unto their anger; for it is written—Mine, is avenging, I, will recompense; —saith 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 But—if thine enemy hunger, be feeding him, if he thirst, be giving him drink; for, this doing, coals of fire, shalt thou heap upon 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 Be not 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]!
