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Mutual Love. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;(A) 10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.(B) 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.(C) 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.(D) 13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,(E) exercise hospitality. 14 [a]Bless those who persecute [you],(F) bless and do not curse them.(G) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.(H) 16 Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.(I) 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.(J) 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.(K) 19 Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(L) 20 Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”(M) 21 Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

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Footnotes

  1. 12:14–21 Since God has justified the believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.