This is the twelfth installment of what I hope to be a complete “translation” of Romans. Please note that this is not scripture; it is my understanding of scripture. Any with questions or concerns should check the original.
Twelfth chapter of Romans
Therefore let me urge you, brothers, because of God’s mercy to you, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices: holy and pleasing to God. This is a true act of worship.
Stop being conformed to what the world wants of you! Instead, be transformed by adopting a renewed perspective. Then you will be able to see and understand what God’s will is – His good, and pleasing, and perfect plan.
By the grace given to me I say to each of you: do not become conceited, or think better of yourself than you should. Be sober in self reflection, as God gives you grace.
Just as our bodies have many parts, so the church is the body of Christ. And just as each body part has its own function, so each church member has different gifts – according the grace given to us by God – and each belongs to the others.
If your gift is prophesying, use it in relation to faith God has given you. If it is serving, serve; if teaching, teach. If your gift is encouraging, then encourage others, and if your gift is giving to support those who are poor, then give generously. If your gift is leadership, lead well. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love must be real, and not fake. Hate that which is evil, stick to that which is good. Be committed to each other in brotherly love, and honor others higher than yourself.
Keep serving the Lord energetically, never lacking in zeal. Be joyful in hope, patient in difficulty, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are poor. Be hospitable.
Bless those who hurt you for the sake of Jesus: bless, and do not curse them.
Be happy with those who are happy, sorrow with those who are sad. Live in harmony with each other. Do not be proud, but be friends with those who are not prestigious. See others as more worthy than yourself.
Do not seek revenge. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. As much as is possible, live at peace with everyone. Do not seek vengeance – let God take care of it. As He says: Vengeance is mine: I will repay.
But for you, as it is written in Proverbs:
If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirst, give him a drink. Doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Do not let evil overpower you, but overpower evil with good.