⁹Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. ¹⁰Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. ¹¹Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.

¹²When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. ¹³Share with God’s people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.

¹⁴Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. ¹⁵Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. ¹⁶Agree with each other. Don’t be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Don’t think that you are better than others.

¹⁷Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. ¹⁸If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.

¹⁹My friends, don’t try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, “I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back,” says the Lord. ²⁰Do just the opposite. Scripture says,

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.

If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.”

²¹Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.

Read in Logos

Romans 12:12: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.