1 I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and
beg of you in view of [all] the Mercies of God, to make a decisive
dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as
a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to
God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and
adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed
(changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and
its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the
good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
3 For by the Grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and
think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated
opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober
judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to
him.
9
[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe
all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that
which is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.
11 Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.
12 Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of God's people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].
16
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish,
high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things]
and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. [Prov. 3:7.]
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. [Prov. 20:22.]
18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's]
wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite),
says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]
20
But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. [Prov.
25:21, 22.]
(Romans 12:2, 3, 9-12 AMP)
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