12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

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.

Dedicated Service

12 [a]Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, [d]with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.

Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; 11 never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; 12 constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], 13 contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].(A) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.(B) 17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.(C) 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.(D) 20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap [e]burning coals on his head.”(E) 21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:1 Paul now begins outlining for the believer the practical application of the theological truths taught in chs 1-11.
  2. Romans 12:1 Lit brethren.
  3. Romans 12:2 From the Greek word meaning “metamorphosis.” Refers to the process that leads to an outward, permanent change.
  4. Romans 12:8 Or without ulterior motives.
  5. Romans 12:20 This may refer to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a penitent person carried a bowl of burning embers on his head to show his shame and guilt. By analogy, being kind to an enemy may lead him to shame and repentance.

A Living Sacrifice

12 (A)I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, (B)to present your bodies (C)as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] (D)Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by (E)the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may (F)discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[d]

Gifts of Grace

For (G)by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you (H)not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, (I)each according to (J)the measure of faith that God has assigned. For (K)as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, so we, (L)though many, (M)are one body in Christ, and individually (N)members one of another. (O)Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if (P)prophecy, (Q)in proportion to our faith; if (R)service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; (S)the one who leads,[f] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with (T)cheerfulness.

Marks of the True Christian

(U)Let love be genuine. (V)Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 (W)Love one another with brotherly affection. (X)Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, (Y)be fervent in spirit,[g] (Z)serve the Lord. 12 (AA)Rejoice in hope, (AB)be patient in tribulation, (AC)be constant in prayer. 13 (AD)Contribute to the needs of the saints and (AE)seek to show hospitality.

14 (AF)Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 (AG)Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 (AH)Live in harmony with one another. (AI)Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] (AJ)Never be wise in your own sight. 17 (AK)Repay no one evil for evil, but (AL)give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, (AM)live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, (AN)never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, (AO)“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, (AP)“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.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:1 Or brothers and sisters
  2. Romans 12:1 Or your rational service
  3. Romans 12:2 Greek age
  4. Romans 12:2 Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God
  5. Romans 12:4 Greek parts; also verse 5
  6. Romans 12:8 Or gives aid
  7. Romans 12:11 Or fervent in the Spirit
  8. Romans 12:16 Or give yourselves to humble tasks
  9. Romans 12:19 Greek give place

Actitud consecuente del creyente

12 Por tanto, hermanos, les ruego(A) por las misericordias de Dios que presenten sus cuerpos como sacrificio vivo y santo(B), aceptable a Dios, que es el culto racional de ustedes. Y no se adapten a este mundo[a](C), sino transfórmense mediante la renovación de su mente(D), para que verifiquen cuál es la voluntad de Dios: lo que es bueno y aceptable y perfecto(E).

Nuestros deberes cristianos

Porque en virtud de la gracia que me ha sido dada(F), digo a cada uno de[b] ustedes que no piense de sí mismo más de lo que debe pensar(G), sino que piense con buen juicio[c], según la medida de fe(H) que Dios ha distribuido a cada uno. Pues así como en un cuerpo tenemos muchos miembros, pero no todos los miembros tienen la misma función(I), así nosotros, que somos muchos(J), somos un cuerpo en Cristo(K) e individualmente miembros los unos de los otros.

Pero teniendo diferentes dones, según la gracia que nos ha sido dada(L), usémoslos: si el de profecía(M), úsese en proporción a la fe; si el de servicio(N), en servir[d]; o el que enseña(O), en la enseñanza; el que exhorta, en la exhortación(P); el que da, con liberalidad[e](Q); el que dirige(R), con diligencia; el que muestra misericordia, con alegría(S).

El amor sea sin hipocresía(T); aborreciendo lo malo, aplicándose[f] a lo bueno(U). 10 Sean afectuosos unos con otros con amor fraternal(V); con honra(W), dándose preferencia unos a otros. 11 No sean perezosos en lo que requiere diligencia. Sean fervientes en espíritu(X), sirviendo al Señor(Y), 12 gozándose en la esperanza(Z), perseverando en el sufrimiento(AA), dedicados a la oración(AB), 13 contribuyendo para las necesidades de los santos(AC), practicando[g] la hospitalidad(AD).

14 Bendigan a los que los[h] persiguen(AE). Bendigan, y no maldigan. 15 Gócense con los que se gozan y lloren con los que lloran(AF). 16 Tengan el mismo sentir(AG) unos con otros. No sean altivos en su pensar, sino condescendiendo con los humildes[i](AH). No sean sabios en su propia opinión(AI).

17 Nunca paguen a nadie mal por mal(AJ). Respeten[j] lo bueno delante de todos los hombres(AK). 18 Si es posible, en cuanto de ustedes dependa(AL), estén en paz con todos los hombres(AM). 19 Amados, nunca tomen venganza(AN) ustedes mismos, sino den lugar a la ira de Dios, porque escrito está: «Mía es la venganza, Yo pagaré», dice el Señor(AO). 20 «Pero si tu enemigo tiene hambre, dale de comer; y si tiene sed, dale de beber, porque haciendo esto, carbones encendidos amontonarás sobre su cabeza(AP)». 21 No seas vencido por el mal, sino vence el mal con el bien.

Footnotes

  1. Romanos 12:2 O siglo.
  2. Romanos 12:3 Lit. que está entre.
  3. Romanos 12:3 O con cordura.
  4. Romanos 12:7 Lit. en el servicio.
  5. Romanos 12:8 O sencillez.
  6. Romanos 12:9 Lit. adhiéranse.
  7. Romanos 12:13 Lit. yendo tras.
  8. Romanos 12:14 Algunos mss. antiguos no incluyen: los.
  9. Romanos 12:16 O adaptándose a cosas humildes.
  10. Romanos 12:17 Lit. Consideren.