12:1 So I am encouraging you, brothers and sisters, through the compassion of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and very pleasing to God— which is your logical divine service.

12:2 And do not be conformed to this age but be transformed by renewing your minds, for the purpose of testing what the will of God is, which is good, very pleasing, and perfect.

12:3 Now I say this through the favor shown to me, to everyone among you: do not have an inflated opinion of yourselves, but be realistic and wise, in accord with the measure of faith God has apportioned to each of you.

12:4 For just as one body has many parts yet the parts do not all have the same function,

12:5 so also the many of us form one Body of the Anointed and each part belongs to all the others.

12:6 Now each one should excel at whatever gift they were given: if Prophecy, then exercise this gift in proportion with the faith;

12:7 if Service, then serve well;if Teaching, then teach well;

12:8 if Encouraging, then be very encouraging;if Generosity, then be very generous;if an Official Benefactor, do it diligently;if Mercy, give it cheerfully.

12:9 Let love be simple, fair, and true; hate evil and cling to good.

12:10 Let us have fondness for each other as spiritual siblings, honoring others above yourselves.

12:11 Be diligent instead of lazy, since you are slaving for the Master.

12:12 Celebrate in hope, endure oppression, be persistent in prayer,

12:13 join in with the needs of the holy ones, pursue hospitality.

12:14 Bless those who are persecuting you— bless, not curse!

12:15 Celebrate with those who celebrate and cry with those who cry.

12:16 Let all of you have the same attitude. Do not think yourself too good for others, but instead associate with people of low status— do not become self-important.

12:17 Do not pay back evil for evil; instead, do what is right in the sight of all people.

12:18 As far as it depends on you, be at peace with everyone.

12:19 Do not take vengeance, dear ones, but leave room for God’s rage. As it is written: “ ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay!’ says the Master.”

12:20 But if your opponent is hungry give them food; if they are thirsty give them something to drink; for in doing this you will be showing them kindness.

12:21 Do not be conquered by evil, but instead conquer evil with good.