New Testament · Romans

Romans 12

Living Sacrifices

(1 Corinthians 3:16–23; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

1I urge you therefore, brothers, through the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice — holy, well-pleasing to God — which is your reasonable^a worship^b. 2And do not be conformed to this age^c, but be transformed by the renewing of your intellect^d, so that you may discern what the will^e of God is — the good and well-pleasing and perfect.

3For through the grace^f given to me I say to everyone who is among you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but think so as to think soberly, as God has apportioned to each a measure of faith. 4For just as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we the many are one body in Messiah, and individually members of one another.

6And having gifts of grace that differ according to the grace given to us — if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;^g 7if service, in the serving; the one who teaches, in the teaching; 8the one who encouraging, in the comfort; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.^hi

Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality

(John 13:31–35; 1 John 3:11–24)

9Love^j without hypocrisy — abhorring what is evil, holding fast to what is good; 10devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor;

11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit^k, serving the Lord;

12rejoicing in hope^l, enduring in tribulation, persevering in prayer;

13contributing^m to the needs of the holy ones, pursuing hospitality.

Bless and Do Not Curse

(Matthew 18:21–35)

14Bless those who persecute you — bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Being of the same mindsetⁿ toward one another — not setting your mindset on lofty things, but associating with the lowly — do not be wise in your own estimation.

17Repaying no one evil for evil, taking thought for what is honorable before all people. 18If possible, as far as it depends on you, being at peace with all people.

19Never taking your own revenge, beloved, but give place to wrath^o — for it is written: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord."

20But "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will heap burning coals on his head."

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.