Marks of the True Christian

(A)Let love be genuine. (B)Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 (C)Love one another with brotherly affection. (D)Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, (E)be fervent in spirit,[a] (F)serve the Lord. 12 (G)Rejoice in hope, (H)be patient in tribulation, (I)be constant in prayer. 13 (J)Contribute to the needs of the saints and (K)seek to show hospitality.

14 (L)Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 (M)Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 (N)Live in harmony with one another. (O)Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[b] (P)Never be wise in your own sight. 17 (Q)Repay no one evil for evil, but (R)give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, (S)live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, (T)never avenge yourselves, but leave it[c] to the wrath of God, for it is written, (U)“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, (V)“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 on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:11 Or fervent in the Spirit
  2. Romans 12:16 Or give yourselves to humble tasks
  3. Romans 12:19 Greek give place

Love in Action

Love must be sincere.(A) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.(B) 10 Be devoted to one another in love.(C) Honor one another above yourselves.(D) 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,(E) serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope,(F) patient in affliction,(G) faithful in prayer.(H) 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.(I) Practice hospitality.(J)

14 Bless those who persecute you;(K) bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.(L) 16 Live in harmony with one another.(M) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.(N)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.(O) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.(P) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(Q) 19 Do not take revenge,(R) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b](S) 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.”[c](T)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
  2. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
  3. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

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