Romans 12
1 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.
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.
2 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)
And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (aiōn g165)
3 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].
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
4 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.
For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:
5 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!]
so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
6 [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].
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of our faith;
7 [Those whom God has enabled] to serve [others] should do that. [Those whom God has enabled] to teach [his truth] should do that.
or ministry, [let us give ourselves] to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;
8 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.
or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, [let him do it] with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Love others sincerely! Hate what is evil! Continue to eagerly do what [God considers to be] good!
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Love one another as members of the same family do; and, you should be (the first ones/eager) to honor each other!
In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honour preferring one another;
11 Do not be lazy. [Instead], be eager [to serve the Lord] God!
in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoice because you are confidently awaiting [what God will do for you]! When you suffer, be patient! Keep praying and never give up!
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;
13 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]!
communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.
14 [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.
Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
15 If someone is joyful, you should rejoice also! If someone is sad, you should also be sad!
Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
16 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.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 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!
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honourable in the sight of all men.
18 Live peacefully with other people whenever it is possible, to the extent that you [can influence the situation].
If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
19 [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.”
Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
20 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].”
But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
21 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]!
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
