A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,^(A) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,^(B) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform^(C) to the pattern of this world,^(D) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(E) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(F)—his good, pleasing^(G) and perfect will.

⁶ We have different gifts,^(A) according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,^(B) then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith;^{(C) 7} if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;^{(D) 8} if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;^(E) if it is giving, then give generously;^(F) if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere.^(G) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.^{(H) 10} Be devoted to one another in love.^(I) Honor one another above yourselves.^{(J) 11} Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,^(K) serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope,^(L) patient in affliction,^(M) faithful in prayer.^{(N) 13} Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.^(O) Practice hospitality.^(P)

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you;^(Q) bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.^{(R) 16} Live in harmony with one another.^(S) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[c] Do not be conceited.^(T)

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(U) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.^{(V) 18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.^{(W) 19} Do not take revenge,^(X) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[d](Y) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.