Romans 12 :: New Living Translation (NLT)

A Living Sacrifice to God

Rom 12:1And so, dear brothers and sisters,[fn] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[fn]

Rom 12:2

Rom 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Rom 12:3

Rom 12:3Because of the privilege and authority[fn] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[fn]

Rom 12:4

Rom 12:4Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,

Rom 12:5

Rom 12:5so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Rom 12:6

Rom 12:6In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

Rom 12:7

Rom 12:7If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.

Rom 12:8

Rom 12:8If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Rom 12:9

Rom 12:9Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Rom 12:10

Rom 12:10Love each other with genuine affection,[fn] and take delight in honoring each other.

Rom 12:11

Rom 12:11Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[fn]

Rom 12:12

Rom 12:12Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Rom 12:13

Rom 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Rom 12:14

Rom 12:14Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Rom 12:15

Rom 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Rom 12:16

Rom 12:16Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Rom 12:17

Rom 12:17Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

Rom 12:18

Rom 12:18Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Rom 12:19

Rom 12:19Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”[fn]
says the LORD.

Rom 12:20

Rom 12:20Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”[fn]

Rom 12:21

Rom 12:21Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.