< Previous Chapter | Full Chapter | Next Chapter >
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, `which is' your spiritual service.
2And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
4For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:
5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
6And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, `let us prophesy' according to the proportion of our faith;
7or ministry, `let us give ourselves' to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;
8or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, `let him do it' with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;
11in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;
13communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.
14Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
15Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
18If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
19Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath `of God': for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
20But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.