Overcome Evil with Good

"Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service." "Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God."

Through the grace given to him, Paul tells each one not to think of himself more highly than he ought, but to think soberly, as God has given a measure of faith. As one body has many members, and not all have the same function, "so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Having gifts differing according to the grace given, let each use his gift: prophecy by faith, service in serving, teaching in teaching, exhorting in exhorting, giving with generosity, leading with diligence, and showing mercy with cheerfulness.

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good." In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor prefer one another. Do not lag in diligence; be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse." "Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep." Be of the same mind one toward another and associate with the humble. Repay no one evil for evil. "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men." Do not seek revenge, but give place to God's wrath, for vengeance belongs to the Lord. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink, for in doing so, Paul quotes, you will heap coals of fire on his head. "Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."