Romans 12: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's
mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this
is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and
perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of
yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has
given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and
these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we
who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a
man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to
the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him
govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another
above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in
need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless
and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those
who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but
be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right
in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends
on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my
friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to
avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your
enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In
doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.