Living
Sacrifices
THEREFORE,
I URGE YOU, BROTHERS
IN
VIEW OF GOD'S MERCY,
TO
OFFER YOUR BODIES AS LIVING SACRIFICES,
HOLY
AND PLEASING TO GOD--
WHICH
IS YOUR SPIRITUAL 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 on e of you:
DO
NOT THINK 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.
Love
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
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.
(Romans
12)
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