Loved One, by the mercies of God, present your life as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, in service to Him. And Loved One, do not do what everyone not of God is doing. Let God transform you by renewing your mind a little bit every day. That will help you demonstrate the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Loved One, don’t let your pride take over, but think humbly, as God has dealt you a measure of faith.
You have many members in your body, Loved One, and all the members do not do the same thing! Realize Loved One, that you are a member of the body of Christ, and we are all members together. We also don’t all do the same thing either! You have a special, unique, and personal gift according to the grace God gave you, Loved One, use it! If the gift is prophecy, prophesy in proportion to your faith. If it is ministry, minister to others in love. If it is teaching, then patiently teach. If it is exhortation, then exhort others in love. If it is giving, give generously without judgment. If it is leading others, do it with diligence and grace.
When you show mercy, Loved One, do it with a smile. Don’t be a hypocrite. Don’t give in to being self-centered. Cling to what is good. Loved One, be lovingly kind to others as if they are family. Honor them before you. Be diligent, and be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continue steadfastly in prayer; distribute to the needs of others, and give yourself over to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute or hate you, Loved One; bless them and do not curse them. Pray for them! I know it’s tough to do, but it is totally worth it! Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Love others the way you love yourself, if not even better! Instead of seeking fame or glory, spend time with humble people. Loved One, don’t think you are wise because of your own efforts. You aren’t. Never repay evil for evil. See the good in all things and all people. Loved One, live peacefully with everyone, well, as much as you can. Loved One, do not get revenge on anyone. Instead, let God do it. Remember what’s written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Also, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing that Loved One, you will heap coals of fire on their head.”
Lastly, do not be overcome by selfishness, Loved One, but focus on what God wants you to do!
Romans 12, NAPSV
