1So I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, because of God's compassion ⁷⁸for you, to dedicate your bodies as a living offering that is holy and pleasing to God. This is the logical way to worship.

2Don't follow the ways of this world; instead be transformed by the spiritual renewal of your mind so you can demonstrate what God's will really is—good, pleasing, and perfect.

3Let me explain to all of you, through the grace given to me, that no one should think of themselves better than they ought to. You should think about yourselves realistically, according to the degree of trust God has shared with you.

4Just as there are many parts to the body, but they don't all do the same thing,

5so we are one body in Christ, even though we are many—and we all belong to one another.

6We each have different gifts that vary according to the grace given to us. So if it's speaking for God, then you should do so depending on how much you trust in God.

7If it's the ministry of service then you should serve; if teaching then you should teach;

8if encouragement then you should encourage; if giving then you should give generously; if leadership then you should lead with commitment; if being merciful then you should do so gladly.

9Love must be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold on tightly to what is good.

10Be completely dedicated to each other in your love as family; value others more than yourselves.

11Don't be unwilling to work hard; serve the Lord with an enthusiastic spirit.

12Remain cheerful in the hope you have, put up with the troubles that come, keep on praying.

13Share in providing for the needs of God's people, and welcome strangers with hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you—bless them, and don't curse them.

15Be happy with those who are happy; cry with those who are crying.

16Think about one another. ⁷⁹Don't consider yourself more important than others; live humbly. Don't be conceited.

17Don't pay back anyone evil for evil. Make sure you show everybody that what you're doing is good,

18and as far as it's up to you, live at peace with everyone.

19My dear friends, don't seek revenge, but leave it to God to execute judgment ⁸⁰—as Scripture points out, “‘It's for me to dispense justice, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” ⁸¹

20If those who hate you are hungry, give them food; if they're thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing so you pile fiery coals on their heads. ⁸²

21Don't be defeated by evil—conquer evil with good.