New International Version NIV
GOD'S WORD Translation GW
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
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Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
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Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants--what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
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Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
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Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing.
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
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In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
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God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking God's word, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith.
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
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If your gift is serving, then devote yourself to serving. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching.
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
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If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
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Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
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Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
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Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
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Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
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Share what you have with God's people who are in need. Be hospitable.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
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Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don't curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
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Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
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Live in harmony with each other. Don't be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don't think that you are smarter than you really are.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
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Don't pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
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As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
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Don't take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God's anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, "I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord."
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
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But, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.