| Chapter 12 |
1 | Therefore I beg you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. |
2 | Don't be fashioned according to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. |
3 | For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. |
4 | For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, |
5 | so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. |
6 | Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; |
7 | or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; |
8 | or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. |
9 | Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. |
10 | In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; |
11 | not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; |
12 | rejoicing in hope; enduring in oppression; continuing steadfastly in prayer; |
13 | contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. |
14 | Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. |
15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. |
16 | Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. |
17 | Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. |
18 | If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. |
19 | Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.' |
20 | Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.' |
21 | Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |