Romans 12

Living Sacrifices

1 Family, I am begging you all, because of how good God has been to us, to offer up your whole lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. That is the real way to worship.

2 Do not get caught up in the patterns of this world, but let God flip your mind, renew it, so you can peep what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

3 I am saying this with the grace God gave me: Do not think you are all that. Keep it humble. Think about yourself with sober judgment, based on the faith God gave you.

4 Just like we got different parts in one body, and not every part does the same thing,

5 It is the same with us, though we are many, we form one body in Christ, and we belong to each other.

6 We all got different gifts based on the grace God gave us. If your gift is prophesying, then do it in line with your faith;

7 If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach.

8 If it is encouraging, then encourage. If it is giving, give generously. If it is leading, lead with zeal. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully.

9 Let your love be real, no faking. Hate what is evil, hold tight to what is good.

10 Be real with your love for each other. Honor one another more than yourselves.

11 Do not be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord with all you got.

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in tough times, and always praying.

13 Look out for God’s people in need and be hospitable.

14 Bless those who come at you sideways; bless them, do not curse them.

15 If someone is happy, be happy with them. If they are crying, cry with them.

16 Be on the same page with each other. Do not be out here thinking you are too good for anyone. Be humble. Do not think you know it all.

17 Do not pay back evil for evil. Do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

18 As much as it is up to you, live at peace with everybody.

19 Do not try to get revenge, fam. Let God handle that. It is written: “Revenge is mine; I will take care of it,” says the Lord.

20 Instead, “If your enemy’s hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on their head.”

21 Do not let evil get the best of you, but beat evil with good.