1 Therefore I urge 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 conformed 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
troubles; 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.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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