Romans, 12

1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

1. I beg you, dearly beloved, by the mercy of God, to give yourselves as a living and holy sacrifice pleasing to God: such is the worship of a rational being.

2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2. Don't let yourselves be shaped by the world where you live, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You must discern the will of God: what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.

3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

3. The grace that God has given me allows me to tell each of you: be active, but not indiscreet. Let each one exercise wisely the gifts of faith granted by God.

4. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

4. See, the body is one, even if formed by many members, but not all of them with the same function.

5. So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

5. The same with us; being many, we are one body in Christ, depending on one another.

6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

6. Let each one of us, therefore, serve according to our different gifts. Are you a prophet? Then give the insights of faith.

7. Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

7. Let the deacon fulfill his office; let the teacher teach,

8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

8. the one who encourages, convince. You must, likewise, give with an open hand, preside with dedication, and be cheerful in your works of charity.

9. [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

9. Let love be sincere. Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good.

10. [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

10. Love one another and be considerate. Outdo one another in mutual respect.

11. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

11. Be zealous in fulfilling your duties. Be fervent in the Spirit and serve God.

12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

12. Have hope and be cheerful. Be patient in trials and pray constantly.

13. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

13. Share with other Christians in need. With those passing by, be ready to receive them.

14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish evil on anyone.

15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

15. Rejoice with those who are joyful, and weep with those who weep.

16. [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

16. Live in peace with one another. Do not dream of extraordinary things; be humble and do not hold yourselves as wise.

17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

17. Do not return evil for evil, but let everyone see your good will.

18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

18. Do your best to live in peace with everybody.

19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

19. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but let God be the one who punishes, as Scripture says: Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.

20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

20. And it adds: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him to drink; by doing this you will heap burning coals upon his head.

21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

21. Do not let evil defeat you, but conquer evil with goodness.