1I urge you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, that you offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and pleasing unto God, which is truly the proper way to serve Him. 2And do not conform to the customs or ways of this world; but let God transform you by renewing the way you think, that you may learn and know what is the true, acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3For by the grace given to me, I say to every one of you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but rather to honestly evaluate yourself, according to the measure of faith that God has given to each person. 4For just as we all have one body with many parts, and these parts do not have the same purpose or function; 5So we, being many members, form one body (the Church) in Christ, and each member should interact with and support other members. 6And having differing gifts and abilities according to the grace that God has given us, if our gift is prophecy, then let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7Or if our gift is ministry (service), let us serve; or if teaching, then teach well; 8Or if encouraging, then encourage; if giving, then give generously; if leadership, let us lead diligently; if showing mercy and kindness, do it with cheerfulness.

9Let your love be sincere. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Love each other with genuine affection; learn to enjoy honoring others above yourselves. 11Be enthusiastic in business; serve the Lord with a fervent spirit. 12Rejoice in our confident hope; be patient in difficulties; and diligent in praying. 13Share necessities with your brothers and sisters in Christ; practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those that rejoice, and mourn with those that mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not seek the company of the haughty and proud; but enjoy the company of common folks of modest means. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Make every effort to do things honestly in the sight of all men. 18To the degree possible, as much as you can, live at peace with everyone. 19Dearly beloved, do not avenge yourselves but, rather, leave room for God’s wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay”, says the Lord (Deut. 32:35). 20Instead, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for in so doing, you shall heap coals of shame upon his head. 21Do not be overcome by evil, but rather overcome evil with good.