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Dedicated Service

^1 (F1)(C1)Therefore I urge you, ^(F2)brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to ^(C2)present your bodies dedicating all of yourselves, set apart as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.² And do not ^(C1)be conformed to ^(C2)this world any longer with its superficial values and customs, but be ^(F1)transformed and progressively changed as you mature spiritually by the ^(C3)renewing of your mind focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes, so that you may ^(C4)prove for yourselves what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect in His plan and purpose for you.

³ For by ^(C1)the grace of God given to me I say to everyone of you ^(C2)not to think more highly of himself and of his importance and ability than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to ^(C3)each a degree of faith and a purpose designed for service.⁴ For ^(C1)just as in one physical body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use,⁵ so we, ^(C1)who are many, are nevertheless just ^(C2)one body in Christ, and individually we are parts one of another mutually dependent on each other.⁶ Since we have gifts that ^(C1)differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if someone has the gift of ^(C2)prophecy, let him speak a new message from God to His people in proportion to the faith possessed;⁷ if ^(C1)service, in the act of serving; or he who ^(C2)teaches, in the act of teaching;⁸ or he who ^(C1)encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with ^(C2)generosity; ^(C3)he who leads, ^(F1)with diligence; he who shows mercy in caring for others, with ^(C4)cheerfulness.

^9 (C1)Love is to be sincere and active the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy. ^(C2)Hate what is evil detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness; hold on tightly to what is good.¹⁰ Be ^(C1)devoted to one another with authentic brotherly affection as members of one family, give preference to one another ^(C2)in honor;¹¹ never lagging behind in diligence; ^(C1)aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically ^(C2)serving the Lord;^12 (C1)constantly rejoicing in hope because of our confidence in Christ, ^(C2)steadfast and patient in distress, ^(C3)devoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength,^13 (C1)contributing to the needs of God's people, ^(C2)pursuing the practice of hospitality.

^14 (C1)Bless those who persecute you who cause you harm or hardship; bless and do not curse them. ^{(VR1)15 (C1)}Rejoice with those who rejoice sharing others' joy, and weep with those who weep sharing others' grief.^16 (C1)Live in harmony with one another; ^(C2)do not be haughty conceited, self-important, exclusive, but associate with humble people those with a realistic self-view. ^(C3)Do not overestimate yourself. ^{(VR1)17 (C1)}Never repay anyone evil for evil. ^(C2)Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. ^(VR1)18 If possible, ^(C1)as far as it depends on you, ^(C2)live at peace with everyone.¹⁹ Beloved, ^(C1)never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath and His judicial righteousness; for it is written in Scripture, "^(C2)VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. ^(VR1)20 "^(C1)BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL HEAP ^(F1)BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." ^(VR1)21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.