1I beseech you therefore , brethren , by the mercies of God , to present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy, acceptable to God , which is your spiritual service . 2And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind , that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God .
Transformation and Renewal
3For I say , through the grace that was given me , to every man that is among you , not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think ; but so to think as to think soberly , according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith . 4For even as we have many members in one body , and all the members have not the same office : 5so we , who are many , are one body in Christ , and severally members one of another . 6And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us , whether prophecy , let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith ; 7or ministry , let us give ourselves to our ministry ; or he that teacheth , to his teaching ; 8or he that exhorteth , to his exhorting : he that giveth , let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth , with diligence ; he that showeth mercy , with cheerfulness .
The Body of Christ
9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil ; cleave to that which is good . 10In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another ; in honor preferring one another ; 11in diligence not slothful ; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord ; 12rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation ; continuing stedfastly in prayer ; 13communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality .
Love in Action
14Bless them that persecute you ; bless , and curse not . 15Rejoice with them that rejoice ; weep with them that weep . 16Be of the same mind one toward another . Set not your mind on high things , but condescend to things that are lowly . Be not wise in your own conceits . 17Render to no man evil for evil . Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men . 18If it be possible , as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men . 19Avenge not yourselves , beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God : for it is written , Vengeance belongeth unto me ; I will recompense, saith the Lord . 20But if thine enemy hunger , feed him ; if he thirst , give him to drink : for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head . 21Be not overcome of evil , but overcome evil with good .