OrthJBC - Romans - 12

12:1  I appeal to you, therefore, Achim b'Moshiach, through the rachamei Hashem (mercies of G-d), to present your geviyah (Bereshis 47:18), all of your being as a korban chai (living sacrifice), kadosh (holy) and nichoach to Hashem (Bereshis 8:21), which is your spiritual avodas kodesh.

12:2  Stop allowing yourself to be conformed to the Olam Hazeh, but be transformed by your hitkhadeshut haDa'as (regeneration/renewal of knowing), so that you may (individually and corporately) ascertain what is the ratzon Hashem (the will of G-d), what is good, acceptable, and perfect.

12:3  For I say, through the chesed (unmerited favor, grace) given to me, to all who are among you, that you should avoid a false sense of superiority in your thinking; rather exercise shlitah atzmi (self-control), thinking with seychel, as G-d has measured to each a measure of emunah. ONE NEW HUMANITY IN THE NEW ADAM OUR MOSHIACH OF THE TECHIYAS HAMESIM: IMPLICATIONS FOR AVODAS KODESH IN HIS ORTHODOX JUDAISM

12:4  For just as in one body we have many members (natural capacities), and all the members do not have the same function,

12:5  so we all are one body in Moshiach, and are individually members one of another--

12:6  having matanot (gifts) which differ in accordance to the chesed (unmerited favor, grace) given to us. If we speak for G-d as nevi'im (prophets), it should be in proportion to the emunah given to us.

12:7  If we offer particular acts of avodas kodesh, it should be used in serving. One who functions as a rabbinic moreh in teaching should be active in teaching.

12:8  One who imparts chizzuk (strengthening, encouragement) should be active in the avodas kodesh ministry of chizzuk. One who makes tzedakah (contributions) should do so with nedivut (generosity). The one in manhigut (leadership), with shekidah (diligence). The one in bikkur cholim (visiting the sick) and gemilut chasadim (benevolence), with simcha.

12:9  Let ahavah (agape) be without tzevi'ut (hypocrisy). Hate what is ra'a (evil), be devoted to what is haTov.

12:10  Show mishpochah (family) affection to one another in ahavah shel achvah (brotherly love). Be first in esteeming one another, in showing mutual respect.

12:11  Be zealous without negligence; with bren (fervor, hitlahavut) be burning with the Ruach Hakodesh. With avodas kodesh serve Hashem.

12:12  Have simcha in tikvah. Have zitzfleisch in tzoros. Keep davening tefillos.

12:13  With a spirit of koinonia, keep the pushke full for the needs of the kedoshim. Aspire to hachnosas orchim. ANTI-SEMITIC REDIFAH OR PERSECUTION BECAUSE OF THE HATED NAME OF OUR MOSHIACH REQUIRES A RESPONSE BASED ON THE TORAH AND THE KETUVIM, REMEMBERING THAT AS FAR AS YOUR OYEVIM ARE CONCERNED, BURNING BUSHAH (SHAME) AND TESHUVAH REMORSE ARE MORE EASILY INDUCED BY KINDNESS THAT UNKINDNESS

12:14  Say a berachah (blessing) on those who bring redifah (persecution) on you, let it be a berachah and not a kelalah (curse).

12:15  Join in the simcha with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

12:16  Think with a (spiritual) consensus in harmony among yourselves. Do not cherish the thoughts of the ga'avtanim (proud boasters), but associate with the anavim ("humble," YESHAYAH 29:19), the lowly am ha'aretz; do not be chachamim (wise ones) in your own estimation [1:22].

12:17  Repay no one ra'a (evil) for ra'a (evil). Take into consideration what is haTov in the sight of everyone and do that. [MISHLE 3:4 TARGUM HASHIVIM]

12:18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in shalom with everyone.

12:19  Do not take your own revenge, beloved, but give opportunity for G-d's Charon Af (burning wrath), for it is written, LI NAKAM V'SHILEM ("Vengeance is mine and recompense/repayment--I am He who will repay, says Hashem"--DEVARIM 32:35).

12:20  "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head" MISHLE 25:21-22.

12:21  Do not be overcome by what is ra'a, but overcome haRah with haTov.