1I entreat you, then, Brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, for this is your rational worship. 2Do not conform to the fashion of this world; but be transformed by the complete change that has come over your minds, so that you may discern what God's will is--all that is good, acceptable, and perfect. 3In fulfilment of the charge with which I have been entrusted, I bid every one of you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think till he learns to think soberly--in accordance with the measure of faith that God has allotted to each. 4For, just as in the human body there is a union of many parts, and each part has its own function, 5So we, by our union in Christ, many though we are, form but one body, and individually we are related one to another as its parts. 6Since our gifts differ in accordance with the particular charge entrusted to us, if our gift is to preach, let our preaching correspond to our faith; 7If it is to minister to others, let us devote ourselves to our ministry; the teacher to his teaching, 8The speaker to his exhortation. Let the man who gives in charity do so with a generous heart; let him who is in authority exercise due diligence; let him who shows kindness do so in a cheerful spirit. 9Let your love be sincere. Hate the wrong; cling to the right. 10In brotherly love, be affectionate to one another; in showing respect, set an example of deference to one another; 11Never flagging in zeal; fervent in spirit; serving the Master; 12Rejoicing in your hope; steadfast under persecution; persevering in prayer; 13Relieving the wants of Christ's People; devoted to hospitality. 14Bless your persecutors--bless and never curse. 15Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping. 16Let the same spirit of sympathy animate you all, not a spirit of pride; be glad to associate with the lowly. Do not think too highly of yourselves. 17Never return injury for injury. Aim at doing what all men will recognize as honorable. 18If it is possible, as far as rests with you, live peaceably with every one. 19Never avenge yourselves, dear friends, but make way for the Wrath of God; for Scripture declares--'"It is for me to avenge, I will requite," says the Lord.' 20Rather--'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him to drink. By doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head.' 21Never be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.¶