OEBcth - Romans - 12

12:1  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.

12:2  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.

12:3  In fulfilment of the charge with which I have been entrusted, I tell every one of you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think until he learns to think soberly — in accordance with the measure of faith that God has allotted to each.

12:4  For, just as in the human body there is a union of many parts, and each part has its own function,

12:5  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.

12:6  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;

12:7  if it is to minister to others, let us devote ourselves to our ministry; the teacher to their teaching,

12:8  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.

12:9  Let your love be sincere. Hate the wrong; cling to the right.

12:10  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;

12:11  never flagging in zeal; fervent in spirit; serving the Master;

12:12  rejoicing in your hope; steadfast under persecution; persevering in prayer;

12:13  relieving the wants of Christ’s people; devoted to hospitality.

12:14  Bless your persecutors — bless and never curse.

12:15  Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping.

12:16  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.

12:17  Never return injury for injury. Aim at doing what everyone will recognise as honourable.

12:18  If it is possible, as far as rests with you, live peaceably with everyone.

12:19  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.’

12:20  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.’

12:21  Never be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.