1 Therefore, I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies in living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing unto God, which is your rational worship. 2 And be not conformed to this age, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your soul that ye may experience what is that good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.
3 Therefore I say through the grace given unto me, to all those that are among you not to obtain more knowledge than is prudent to know, but to obtain knowledge with temperance, each one according to the measure of faith that God has dealt. 4 For in the manner that we have many members in one body, nevertheless all the members do not have the same operation; 5 likewise many of us are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 So that having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, according to the measure of faith; 7 or ministry, in serving; or he that teaches, in doctrine; 8 he that exhorts, in exhortation; he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that presides, in earnest care; he that shows mercy, in cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation, abhorring that which is evil, causing you to come unto that which is good; 10 loving one another with brotherly love, with honour preferring one another; 11 not slothful in earnest care, but fervent in the Spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, constant in prayer, 13 sharing for the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you: bless, and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep. 16 Be unanimous among yourselves, not high minded, but accommodating the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Not repaying anyone evil for evil; procuring that which is good not only in the sight of God, but even in the sight of all men. 18 If it can be done, as much as is possible on your part, live in peace with all men. 19 Not defending yourselves, dearly beloved; but rather give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore, if thine enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.