Romans 12

 

1 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God (who desires to eradicate your suffering at the hands of the death and corruption in the world), that you present your bodies a living sacrifice (where you commit your desire for life into the Father's hands, being crucified with Christ to the world unto a lively hope, which is Christ in you, the certainty of His glory to be revealed in you), holy, (set apart for the only life that was) acceptable to God, which is (the sacrifice He desires that follows) His (logic and) reasonable worship (living) in you.

 

2 And do not be conformed to this world's wisdom (which contains no ability to give you the life your heart truly desires but only death and corruption): but be transformed by (Christ) the (wisdom and power of God) renewing your mind (by beholding the faith of Him and His indestructible life), so that you may discern what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

3 For I say, through the grace given to me (by the Lord Jesus), to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly (or wise in his own estimation) than he ought to think; but to think soberly (with a sound mind that reasons from the sure testimony the Father has given in the Son), according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith (in Christ).

 

4 For though we have many members in one body, not all members have the same function:

 

5 So we, who are many, are one body in Christ (who is the head), and every one fellow members of one another.

 

6 Having then differing gifts according to the grace that is given to us (let us use them accordingly), whether (it be) prophecy, let us prophesy according to the measure of the faith (of Christ);

 

7 Or (if it be) ministry, let us minister (from the same faith): or he that teaches, in teaching;

 

8 Or he that exhorts, in exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity (bountifully, born from the generosity in their heart); he that leads, with all diligence (to the faith); the one that shows mercy, with (joy and) cheerfulness (as one who has also obtained mercy).

 

9 (Allow the) love (of God for all people to abide in you) apart from hypocrisy. (Where you) abhor that which is evil (that only brings harm to those filled with labor and calamity to preserve their own lives); (but rather) cleave to that which is good (that rests in His work to preserve your life from corruption in Him unto an endless life and bodily immortality on the last day).

 

10 With love for your brother, be kindly affectionate toward each other; in honor, esteeming each other’s lives;

 

11 With all diligence (and devotion), not lagging (or reluctant); (but with the) burning passion (He has put) in (your) spirit, serve the Lord (with gladness);

 

12 Rejoicing in hope (of His glory to be revealed in you); (which brings) patience in tribulation; constantly in prayer (communion and thanksgiving to God);

 

13 Distributing (bountifully) to the necessity of saints; given to (pursuing) hospitality (to strangers).

 

14 Bless those who persecute (and seek to harass) you: bless (speaking well of them), and do not curse (speaking ill of them).

 

15 Rejoice with those who do rejoice, and weep with those who weep (and mourn).

 

16 Be of the same mind one toward another (without partiality or respect of persons). Do not be high-minded (haughty or lifted up in your heart), but humble toward (all men and) lowly things. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

 

17 Do not repay evil for evil to anyone. (But) provide things good (and fitting) before all men (made in the image of God).

 

18 If at all possible, as much as lies within your control, live peaceably with all men (free from strife).

 

19 Dearly beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give (His) wrath its place (to remove death’s injustice): for it is written, Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, said the Lord.

 

20 Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink: for in so doing you (have given His passion to remove all injustice its proper place and) shall heap coals of fire on his head (the persuasion of his heart).

 

21 (By so doing, you) shall not be overcome by evil (by exacting your own justice), but (you) overcome evil with the good (and perfect will of Him who desires to remove all death’s injustice).