Chapter 12

  Therefore I beg you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.  

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  Don't be fashioned according to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  

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  For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.  

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  For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function,  

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  so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  

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  Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;  

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  or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;  

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  or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.  

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  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.  

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  In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;  

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  not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;  

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  rejoicing in hope; enduring in oppression; continuing steadfastly in prayer;  

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  contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.  

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  Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.  

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  Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.  

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  Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.  

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  Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.  

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  If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.  

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  Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'  

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  Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.'  

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  Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  

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