Romans 12

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.

1So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s great mercy, I beg you to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him. This is the true way for you to worship.

2And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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 so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.

3Because of the grace God has given me, I tell every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, judging yourself by the amount of faith God has given you.

4For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:

4Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,

5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.

5it is the same with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

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;

6God has given each of us different gifts according to the grace given to us. If your gift is prophecy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

7or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;

7If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.

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.

8If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

9Don't just pretend to love others; really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

10In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

10Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.

11in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

11Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord with an enthusiastic spirit.

12rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;

12Be glad because of your hope. Be patient in trouble, and never stop praying.

13communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.

13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.

14Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

15Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who 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.

16Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all.

17Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

17Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

18If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.

18Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone, as much as it depends on you.

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.

19Dear friends, never take your own revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back,' says 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.

20Instead, 'If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.'

21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

21Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.