| 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. |