Romans 12
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1Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. 4For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 10In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; 11not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."”
Romans 12:2
Summary
In Romans chapter 12, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, emphasizing a transformation of mind and spirit. This transformation is crucial for discerning the will of God and living a life pleasing to Him. Paul emphasizes the grace given to each believer, urging humility and the use of spiritual gifts for the benefit of the community. Each member has a unique role, akin to different parts of one body, the body of Christ. Paul outlines marks of a true Christian life, encouraging love that is genuine, abhorrence of evil, and holding fast to what is good. He calls for mutual affection among believers and zeal in serving the Lord. Patience in tribulation and steadfastness in prayer are highlighted as necessary virtues. Interpersonal relationships are to be characterized by blessing, empathy, humility, and peacefulness. Love overcomes evil, and revenge must be left to the Lord. Concluding the chapter, Paul reiterates the power of love and good deeds in overcoming hostility. He instructs believers not to retaliate but to live peaceably with all, as far as it is possible. Feeding a hungry enemy or providing them with drink is a way to render them into shame and bring about transformation. This passage encapsulates a shift from self-focused living to a Christ-centered community life, urging believers to reflect God's grace through their actions.
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