|
[1]Ibeseech you, therefore, my brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, by a rational service [of him].
[2]Andbe not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed, by the renovation of your minds: and discern ye what is the good and acceptable and perfect pleasure of God.
[3]And,by the grace given to me, I say to you all: Do not carry thoughts, beyond what ye ought to think; but think with modesty, as God hath distributed to each one his measure of faith.
[4]Foras we [severally] have many members in one body, and all those members have not the same functions;
[5]soalso we, who are [collectively] many persons, are one body in Messiah, and are naturally members of each other.
[6]Butwe have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. There is that of prophecy, according to the measure of his faith. ⓘ
[7]Andthere is that of ministration, possessed by one in his ministry. And there is that of a teacher, in his teaching. ⓘ
[8]Andthere is that of a consoler, in his consoling: And that of a giver, with simplicity: And that of a presider, with dexterity: And of a sympathizer, with cheerfulness. ⓘ
[9]Letnot your love be guileful: but be haters of evil things, and adherers to good things.
[10]Beaffectionate to your brethren: and love one another. Be foremost in honoring one another.
[11]Beactive; and not slothful. Be fervent in spirit. Be laborers for our Lord.
[12]Bejoyful in your hope. Be patient under your afflictions. Be persevering in prayer.
[13]Becommunicators to the wants of the saints. Be kind to strangers.
[14]Blessyour persecutors: bless, and curse not.
[15]Rejoicewith them who rejoice: and weep with them who weep.
[16]Whatestimation ye make of yourselves, [make] also of your brethren. And indulge not high thoughts; but unite yourselves with the lowly minded. And be not wise in your own estimation.
[17]Andrepay to no man evil for evil: but let it be your study to do good before all men.
[18]Andif possible, so far as it dependeth on you, live in peace with every man.
[19]Andbe ye not avengers of yourselves, my beloved: but give place to wrath. For it is written: If thou dost not execute judgment for thyself, I will execute judgment for thee, saith God.
[20]Andif thy adversary be hungry, feed him: and if he be thirsty, give him drink. For if thou doest these things to him, thou wilt heap coals of fire on his head.
[21]Beye not overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good.
|