12Romans 12

Life in God's Service

1So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.Select Romans 12:1

2Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.Select Romans 12:2

3And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.Select Romans 12:3

4We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions.Select Romans 12:4

5In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body.Select Romans 12:5

6So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have;Select Romans 12:6

7if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach;Select Romans 12:7

8if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.Select Romans 12:8

9Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.Select Romans 12:9

10Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another.Select Romans 12:10

11Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.Select Romans 12:11

12Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.Select Romans 12:12

13Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.Select Romans 12:13

14Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.Select Romans 12:14

15Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.Select Romans 12:15

16Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.Select Romans 12:16

17If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.Select Romans 12:17

18Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.Select Romans 12:18

19Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.”Select Romans 12:19

20Instead, as the scripture says: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame.”Select Romans 12:20

21Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.Select Romans 12:21