Romans 12:1-21
A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
St. Paul gives us a blueprint for living a holy life and how to be closer to God...Paul teaches us that every believer has unique spiritual gifts that should be used for the benefit of the community, friends, and in fellowship with others...These gifts can include prophesying, serving, teaching, listening, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy...
Paul stresses the importance of love and forgiveness, even towards enemies...He encourages us to seek peace and reconciliation with others, rather than seeking revenge...Paul reminds us to be humble and to serve others...He emphasizes that true greatness comes through service to others, not through self-promotion or power-seeking...Paul encourages us to persevere in faith, even in the face of adversity...He reminds us that our hope is in God, and that He will ultimately reward those who are faithful...Paul calls us to live a life that is pleasing to God...This involves avoiding evil, doing good, and striving for spiritual growth...
From St. Paul we learn to: Be joyful in in your life have hope, be patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer...Share with the LORD’s people who are in need...Practice hospitality with others...Be kind and lovingly...Be sincere in your love...Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD...Use the gifts that God gave you...God's gifts are to be shared with others, according to the grace given to each of us....If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving others, then serve; if it is teaching others, then teach; if is that you are a good listener, listen to others, if it is to encourage others, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully...Do not repay anyone evil for evil...Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone...If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone...So love your enemies as Jesus has taught us...Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the LORD...On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink...In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good...
By following these principles, we can grow closer to God, serve others, and make a positive impact on the world around us...