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.

Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him.

2 A nd 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.

Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.

3 T herefore 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.

God has given me His loving-favor. This helps me write these things to you. I ask each one of you not to think more of himself than he should think. Instead, think in the right way toward yourself by the faith God has given you.

4 F or in the manner that we have many members in one body, nevertheless all the members do not have the same operation;

Our bodies are made up of many parts. None of these parts have the same use.

5 l ikewise many of us are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

There are many people who belong to Christ. And yet, we are one body which is Christ’s. We are all different but we depend on each other.

6 S o that having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, according to the measure of faith;

We all have different gifts that God has given to us by His loving-favor. We are to use them. If someone has the gift of preaching the Good News, he should preach. He should use the faith God has given him.

7 o r ministry, in serving; or he that teaches, in doctrine;

If someone has the gift of helping others, then he should help. If someone has the gift of teaching, he should teach.

8 h e 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.

If someone has the gift of speaking words of comfort and help, he should speak. If someone has the gift of sharing what he has, he should give from a willing heart. If someone has the gift of leading other people, he should lead them. If someone has the gift of showing kindness to others, he should be happy as he does it.

9 L et love be without dissimulation, abhorring that which is evil, causing you to come unto that which is good;

Be sure your love is true love. Hate what is sinful. Hold on to whatever is good.

10 l oving one another with brotherly love, with honour preferring one another;

Love each other as Christian brothers. Show respect for each other.

11 n ot slothful in earnest care, but fervent in the Spirit, serving the Lord,

Do not be lazy but always work hard. Work for the Lord with a heart full of love for Him.

12 r ejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, constant in prayer,

Be happy in your hope. Do not give up when trouble comes. Do not let anything stop you from praying.

13 s haring for the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.

Share what you have with Christian brothers who are in need. Give meals and a place to stay to those who need it.

14 B less those who persecute you: bless, and do not curse.

Pray and give thanks for those who make trouble for you. Yes, pray for them instead of talking against them.

15 R ejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep.

Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad.

16 B e unanimous among yourselves, not high minded, but accommodating the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Live in peace with each other. Do not act or think with pride. Be happy to be with poor people. Keep yourself from thinking you are so wise.

17 N ot 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.

When someone does something bad to you, do not pay him back with something bad. Try to do what all men know is right and good.

18 I f it can be done, as much as is possible on your part, live in peace with all men.

As much as you can, live in peace with all men.

19 N ot 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.

Christian brothers, never pay back someone for the bad he has done to you. Let the anger of God take care of the other person. The Holy Writings say, “I will pay back to them what they should get, says the Lord.”

20 T herefore, 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.

“If the one who hates you is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him water. If you do that, you will be making him more ashamed of himself.”

21 D o not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Do not let sin have power over you. Let good have power over sin!