Romans 12- Living Sacrifices


1 I beg of you then, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you give your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is only resonable. 

It is totally reasonable for us to give God our all, even to our very bodies. He does not desire dead sacrifices that can't accomplish anything more. He wants useful, living tools to use in His kingdom. 

2 And don't behave or think like the unsaved, but let God give you a completely new way of thinking, so you will know what God finds good, what makes Him happy, what accomplishes His will in this world. 

3 Through the favor and authority God has given me, I say to everyone that is among you, don't think yourself more important than you are, but seriously evaluate the faith God has given you, using faith as the measure. 

4 Just like we have many parts to one body, and all the parts don't do the same thing, 

5 So we are many different parts in Christ's body, and everyone is a part of each other. 

6 And we all have different gifts given to us by God's grace. If you have the gift of  prophecy, then prophecy according to the amount of faith you have. 

7 Or if your gift is serving others, then serve them! Or if you are a teacher, then teach!

8 Or if its encouraging others, then do that! If you have the gift of generosity, then simply give! If you are a leader, do it with mercy, with cheerfulness.


Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality

9 Let love be real, not pretend. Hate evil. Cling to anything that's good. 

10 Love each other like you do your own brothers. Honor each other more than you do yourselves. 

11 Don't be lazy, but active, serving the Lord in every way.  

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in troubles, keep praying faithfully, 

13 Taking care of fellow believers who are in need, being hospitable. 

Forgiveness

14 Bless them who persecute you, don't curse them. 

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 

16 Live in harmony with fellow believers. Don't think yourselves better than anyone else, no matter how poor they are. Don't think you are smarter than others. 

17 Don't repay anyone evil for evil. Always be honest, right out in view of everyone. 

18 As much as you possibly can, live at peace with everyone. 

19 Dearly beloved, don't take revenge for yourselves, but instead leave room for God's anger. Because it is written, "Vengeance belongs to Me. I will repay evil," says the Lord. 

Deuteronomy 32:35 "Vengeance belongs to Me. I will repay evil. In due time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly."
20 And so if thine enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink, Because by doing so thou will heap coals of fire on his head. 

21 Don't be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

In the days before matches, if the fire went out in your home, you would go to your neighbor and ask for a few hot coals to take back to restart your fire. These would be carried in a special basket on your head. The more coals your neighbor gives you, the faster your fire restarts and the faster your house gets warmed up.

If you treat your enemy with goodness and love, you warm his house, making him your friend instead of your enemy; the best way to get rid of your enemies.

You may also bring salvation to his home.

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