SCRIPTURE LESSON Romans 12:1-2, 9-21

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as

a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be

conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may

discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual

affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve

the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs

of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but

associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for

evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends

on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the

wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your

enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing

this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome

evil with good.