Romans 12

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.

I entreat you, then, friends, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, for this is your rational worship.

2 Do not be conformed to this age (aiōn g165), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Do not conform to the fashion of this world; but be transformed by the complete change that has come over your minds, so that you may discern what God’s will is – all that is good, acceptable, and perfect. (aiōn g165)

3 For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.

In fulfilment of the charge with which I have been entrusted, I tell every one of you not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, but to think until they learn to think soberly – in accordance with the measure of faith that God has allotted to each.

4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members do not have the same function,

For, just as in the human body there is a union of many parts, and each part has its own function,

5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another,

so we, by our union in Christ, many though we are, form but one body, and individually we are related one to another as its parts.

6 having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

Since our gifts differ in accordance with the particular charge entrusted to us, if our gift is to preach, let our preaching correspond to our faith;

7 or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;

if it is to minister to others, let us devote ourselves to our ministry; the teacher to their teaching,

8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

the counselor to their counsel. Let the person who gives in charity do so with a generous heart; let the person who is in authority exercise due diligence; let the person who shows kindness do so in a cheerful spirit.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

Let your love be sincere. Hate the wrong; cling to the right.

10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,

In the love of the community of the Lord’s followers, be affectionate to one another; in showing respect, set an example of deference to one another;

11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,

never flagging in zeal; fervent in spirit; serving the Master;

12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,

rejoicing in your hope; steadfast under persecution; persevering in prayer;

13 contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.

relieving the wants of Christ’s people; devoted to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.

Bless your persecutors – bless and never curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own conceits.

Let the same spirit of sympathy animate you all, not a spirit of pride; enjoy the company of ordinary people. Do not think too highly of yourselves.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.

Never return injury for injury. Aim at doing what everyone will recognise as honourable.

18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

If it is possible, as far as rests with you, live peaceably with everyone.

19 Do not 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.”

Never avenge yourselves, dear friends, but make way for the wrath of God; for scripture declares – “‘It is for me to avenge, I will requite,’ 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.”

Rather – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him to drink. By doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

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

Never be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.