Romans 12:1-21
Jesus, 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 tells us how believers should live out their faith in light of God's Grace and the reality of their new identity in Jesus...Hea teaches us about love, unity, and humble service in the name of Jesus...He tells us that the Son of God is a True, Living Sacrifice...Christians are called to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God, rather than conforming to worldly, earthly patterns...Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit...Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect Will...
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given to believers by the Holy Spirit to equip them for service among followers of Jesus...These gifts vary widely, from speaking in tongues to teaching about God and His Son, spreading the gospel, from prophecy to healing, and from leadership to administration...Jesus has taught us that there is unity in diversity...Paul says this about spiritual gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit...They are diversity, purpose, and grace...In diversity there is a wide variety of gifts, reflecting the diverse needs of the body of Christ...In God's purpose we are given for the building up of believers and the Glory of God...These Spiritual Gifts are Grace-Based...They are not earned but freely given by the Holy Spirit...They bring unity in life...Paul uses a metaphor for followers of Jesus and the church...He calls them the body of Christ...They contribute to the unity and diversity of the body of Christ...
For those who believe in the Father and His Son they will have a transformation...This spiritual sacrifice requires a renewal of the mind, allowing believers to discern God's Will...
So love thy neighbor, each and everyone of them...The church and the followers of Jesus are presented as a body with diverse members, each with unique gifts contributing to the whole...
Jesus teaches us Love in Action...Practical examples of His Teachings are love in action are and were seen, including His hospitality, eating with others, forgiving the sinners, blessing His enemies, to live in harmony...
Good does overcome evil...The chapter concludes with a call to overcome evil with good, trusting in God's justice and vengeance...Believe in God and also believe in Jesus...Trust in God, and Trust also in His Son...
Romans 12 provides a nice blueprint for Christian conduct, emphasizing love, humble service, and unity within the body of Christ, the Christian community...