Study Desk

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you^(a) to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,^(b) holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.^[a]

Do not be conformed^(c) to this age,^(d) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,^(e) so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will^(f) of God.

For by the grace^(g) given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think.^(h) Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith⁽ⁱ⁾ to each one.

Now as we have many parts in one body,^(j) and all the parts do not have the same function,

in the same way we who are many^(k) are one body in Christ^(l) and individually members of one another.

According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:^(m) If prophecy,⁽ⁿ⁾ use it according to the standard of one's^[b] faith;

if service,^(o) in service; if teaching,^(p) in teaching;

if exhorting,^(q) in exhortation; giving, with generosity;^(r) leading,^(s) with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.^(t)

Love must be without hypocrisy.^(u) Detest evil;^(v) cling to what is good.

Show family affection to one another with brotherly love.^(w) Outdo one another in showing honor.^(x)

Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit;^(y) serve the Lord.^(z)

Rejoice in hope;^(aa) be patient in affliction;^(ab) be persistent in prayer.^(ac)

Share with the saints in their needs;^(ad) pursue hospitality.^(ae)

Bless those who persecute you;^(af) bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice;^(ag) weep with those who weep.

Be in agreement with one another.^(ah) Do not be proud;^(ai) instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.^(aj)

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(ak) Try to do what is honorable^(al) in everyone's eyes.

If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.^(am)

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His^[c] wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, ^(an)[d] says the Lord.

But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. ^(ao) If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. ^(ap)[e]

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.