Romans 12:9-21

New International Reader's Version

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. ¹¹ Stay excited about your faith as you serve the Lord. ¹² When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.

¹⁴ Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. ¹⁶ Agree with one another. Don’t be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Don’t think that you are better than others.

¹⁷ Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. ¹⁸ If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. ¹⁹ My dear friends, don’t try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, “I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back,” (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. ²⁰ Do just the opposite. Scripture says,

²¹ Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.