^1aTherefore I urge you, ²brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to ^bpresent your bodies dedicating all of yourselves, set apart as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not ^abe conformed to ^bthis world any longer with its superficial values and customs, but be ¹transformed and progressively changed as you mature spiritually by the ^crenewing of your mind focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes, so that you may ^dprove for yourselves what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect in His plan and purpose for you.

3 For by ^athe grace of God given to me I say to everyone of you ^bnot to think more highly of himself and of his importance and ability than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to ^ceach a degree of faith and a purpose designed for service. 4 For ^ajust as in one physical body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, 5 so we, ^awho are many, are nevertheless just ^bone body in Christ, and individually we are parts one of another mutually dependent on each other. 6 Since we have gifts that ^adiffer according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if someone has the gift of ^bprophecy, let him speak a new message from God to His people in proportion to the faith possessed; 7 if ^aservice, in the act of serving; or he who ^bteaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or he who ^aencourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with ^bgenerosity; ^che who leads, ¹with diligence; he who shows mercy in caring for others, with ^dcheerfulness.

9 ^aLove is to be sincere and active the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy. ^bHate what is evil detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness; hold on tightly to what is good. 10 Be ^adevoted to one another with authentic brotherly affection as members of one family, give preference to one another ^bin honor; 11 never lagging behind in diligence; ^aaglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically ^bserving the Lord; 12 ^aconstantly rejoicing in hope because of our confidence in Christ, ^bsteadfast and patient in distress, ^cdevoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength, 13 ^acontributing to the needs of God’s people, ^bpursuing the practice of hospitality.

14 ^aBless those who persecute you who cause you harm or hardship; bless and do not curse them. Matt 5:44; Luke 6:28 15 ^aRejoice with those who rejoice sharing others’ joy, and weep with those who weep sharing others’ grief. 16 ^aLive in harmony with one another; ^bdo not be haughty conceited, self-important, exclusive, but associate with humble people those with a realistic self-view. ^cDo not overestimate yourself. Prov 3:7 17 ^aNever repay anyone evil for evil. ^bTake thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. Prov 20:22 18 If possible, ^aas far as it depends on you, ^blive at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, ^anever avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath and His judicial righteousness; for it is written in Scripture, “^bVENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Deut 32:35 20 “^aBUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL HEAP ¹BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Prov 25:21, 22 21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.