Living Sacrifices
(1 Corinthians 3:16–23; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

1Therefore I urge you⁺, brothers (and sisters), on account of God’s {Theou} mercy, to offer your⁺ bodies as living sacrifices, holy (set apart) and pleasing to God {Theō}, which is your⁺ spiritual service of worship (your reasonable service).a 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you⁺ will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect (complete) will of God {Theou}.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you⁺: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God {Theos} has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, 5so in Christ (the Anointed One) we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.

6We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; 7if it is serving {diakonian}, let him serve {diakonia}; if it is teaching {didaskōn}, let him teach {didaskalia}; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy (compassion), let him do it cheerfully.

Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality
(John 13:31–35; 1 John 3:11–24)

9Love {agapē} must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love {philadelphia}. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

11Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord {Kyriō}.

12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

13Share with the saints (holy ones) who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Forgiveness
(Matthew 18:21–35)

14Bless those who persecute you⁺. Bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible on your⁺ part, live at peace with everyone.

19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved {agapētoi}, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord <Deu 32:35>.”b

20On the contrary,

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him a drink.

For in so doing,

you will heap burning coals on his head <Pro 25:21–22>.”c

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