King James Version KJV
The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
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I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical "Temple worship" for you.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
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In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the 'olam hazeh. Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
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For I am telling every single one of you, through the grace that has been given to me, not to have exaggerated ideas about your own importance. Instead, develop a sober estimate of yourself based on the standard which God has given to each of you, namely, trust.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
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For just as there are many parts that compose one body, but the parts don't all have the same function;
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
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so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
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But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
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if it is serving, use it to serve; if you are a teacher, use your gift in teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
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if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and exhort; if you are someone who gives, do it simply and generously; if you are in a position of leadership, lead with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
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Don't let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
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Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect.
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
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Don't be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor.
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
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Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
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Share what you have with God's people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
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Bless those who persecute you - bless them, don't curse them!
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
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Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
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Be sensitive to each other's needs - don't think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don't be conceited.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
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Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
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If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
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Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God's anger; for in the Tanakh it is written, "ADONAI says, 'Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.'"
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
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On the contrary, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For by doing this, you will heap fiery coals [of shame] on his head."
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
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Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.