I BESEECH you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your
reasonable service. (2)And be not conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renovation of your mind, that you may prove by
experience what is the will of God, that is good, acceptable, and
perfect. (3)For, I say, by the grace which is given unto me, to every
one that is among you, not to think of himself above what he ought to
think; but to think soberly, as God has divided to every one the
measure of faith. (4)For as we have in one body many members, but the
members, though many, have not the same function, (5)so we, being many,
are one body in Christ, and every one reciprocally members of each
other. (6)Having then different gifts according to the grace which is
given unto us, if it be prophecy, speak according to the analogy of
faith; (7)or if the deacon's office, be active in the service; or he
that teacheth, in teaching; (8)or he that exhorteth, in exhortation; he
that distributes, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth,
with diligence; he that is employed in acts of mercy, with
cheerfulness. (9)Let love be undissembled. Abhor that which is evil;
cleave to that which is good. (10)In brotherly affection be tenderly
attached to each other; in honour preferring one another: (11)not
slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord:
(12)rejoicing in hope; patient in affliction; persevering in prayer:
(13)communicating to the wants of the saints; prompt to hospitality.
(14)Bless them who persecute you; bless, and curse not. (15)Rejoice
with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep. (16)Be of the
same mind among each other. Affect not high things, but be
condescending to the lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
(17)Render to no man evil for evil. Be provident of things laudable in
the sight of all men. (18)If possible, as far as you can, be at peace
with all men. (19)Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto
wrath: for it is written, "Vengeance belongeth to me; I will
recompence, saith the Lord[79]." (20)If therefore thine enemy hunger,
give him food; if he thirst, give him drink: for so doing, thou shalt
heap up coals of fire on his head. (21)Be not overcome of evil, but
overcome evil with good.