A Living Sacrifice to God
1And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 2Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
3As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. 4Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
6God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10Love each other with genuine affection,[b] and take delight in honoring each other. 11Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. 13When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.
14If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. 16Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!
17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.
19Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written,
"I will take vengeance;
I will repay those who deserve it,"[c]
says the Lord.
20Instead, do what the Scriptures say:
"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink,
and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you."[d]
21Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Footnotes:
a.- Romans 12:1 Greek brothers.
b.- Romans 12:10 Greek with brotherly love.
c.- Romans 12:19 Deut 32:35.
d.- Romans 12:20 Greek and you will heap burning coals on their heads. Prov 25:21-22.
3 comments:
Ch 12 – A practical guide to everyday living!
I should read this chapter every morning. Maybe I should memorize the whole thing. Paul really captures the essence of what is missing in a lot of people today in this chapter. Everything in here is counter culture almost. What about what’s best for ME?? Look out for number one, right? Or, let’s try my favorite new quote from Purpose Driven Life, “It’s not about ME.” If we as Christian men could adopt that mindset, I truly believe that we would witness something that could change the world. Reverse the prevailing selfishness that exists in our modern culture. I have to say in addition, if we could learn to truly love others as Christ loved the church that would be the “missing link.” Could you imagine the impact on America if we could ourselves become servants like Christ and encourage others to do the same to the point where that became the norm? I am going to get off my soapbox now. Chapter 12 is amazing and as I said, should almost be read daily if not memorized.
Have a great day
In Christ,
c
I have to say I agree with Clark. This is certainly something to read/speak/recite/think to myself every morning. There are so many morsels-proverbs in this chapter that are so true and would honestly make life so much easier.
5so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
I also would like to echo Keith's comments about how we fit this role with each other. Most of you I have never met, but feel a strong bond much stronger than my co-workers whom I spend 70-80 hours a week with, as you have been there for me in my times of struggle, and with prayers, comforting words, and thoughts. I know there are times when we all slack about reading/writing, but you have all been there when I need it and when others have needed it.
Keep reading and staying strong in your walk with God, but also keep supporting each other.
crb
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