I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to the pattern of this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you can test and approve what the will of God is—the thing that is good and pleasing and perfect.
Gifts of Grace
For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think sensibly, in accordance with that measure of trust God has allotted to each one.
For just as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function,
in the same way, we who are many members are one body in Christ, and individually members with one another.
But since we have gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us, let us use them accordingly. If it is prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our trust;
if it is serving, let us give ourselves to our serving; if it is teaching, to teaching;
if it is encouragement, to encouragement; the one who gives, do it with liberality; the one who leads, do it with diligence; the one who shows mercy, do it with cheerfulness.
Marks of the True Christian
The love you have—let it be without hypocrisy (utterly hate that which is evil; cling to that which is good).
As to affection for God’s family—have natural affection toward one another. As to honor—leading and outdoing one another.
As to diligence—not procrastinating. As to spirit—intensely eager. As to the Lord—working as slaves.
As to the hope—rejoicing. As to our hardships—patient. As to prayer—continuing steadfastly.
As to the needs of the holy ones—sharing with them. As to hospitality—seeking to show it.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, cry with those who are crying.
Have the same regard for one another; do not regard that which is “high,” but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Think ahead of time how to do what is honorable in the sight of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people.
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord.
But, If your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him a drink, for by doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.