¹Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God’s compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. ²Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

³Because of the kindness^athat God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. ⁴Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don’t all do the same thing. ⁵In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other. ⁶God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking what God has revealed, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith. ⁷If your gift is serving, then devote yourself to serving. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. ⁸If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully.

⁹Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. ¹¹Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. ¹²Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. ¹³Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable.

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don’t curse them. ¹⁵Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad. ¹⁶Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are.

¹⁷Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble. ¹⁸As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. ¹⁹Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” ²⁰But,

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him a drink.

If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.”

²¹Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.

Read in Logos

Footnotes

a 12:3 Or “grace.”