Romans 12
1 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.
Change your ways, become a sacrifice for God in an evil world. Pick up your cross knowing that no matter what, our Father will have mercy on those that follow Him.
2 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.
Don't be as the rest of the world, change your ways. Pick up His Word, It's The Manual for this life.
3 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.
We are nothing but walking skin without Christ and when we are in Christ,
we are made alive, but not above another. Every Christian has their place and gift. We are God's children, saved through the blood of Christ.
God blesses us accordingly.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Each body part has a function. Everyone has their place in serving God. There are teachers, singers, builders and cleaners. There are those that help the poor or tithe to spread The Word. We as Christians makeup the whole body.
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
An example here is "prophecy", we teach according to our faith. We believe in the things of God and everyone does their part to get The Truth out there.
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Our Father will let you know when your ready to teach. Wait and study EVERYDAY, the time will come, an opportunity will arrive.
8 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.
It's not about ourselves, but the blessings of God. The work we do has it's place in helping others learn, to govern in love, to lift the sick, to help those in need with gladness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Don't be a fake! Don't do things for others to have yourself look good to others. Hate evil and love true goodness.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
This is unity within the Christian body. Help each member get the job done!
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Stay focused and be blessed!
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
This is a matter of your faith. When things get bad, who do you turn to? Do your best and God will ALWAYS do the rest. Talk to Him, He loves to hear from us.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Giving to those sent ones of God, that they have the resources to get the job done.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
How thin skinned are you? Today's world's is very thin. Words are words, but actions are something totally different. Christians aren't door mats, so use common sense. When dealing with your family in Christ, learn to listen more than speak.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be there for those that are happy or sad.
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.
There will always be someone that knows more then you in life and Word. Better learn to listen or you miss out. You may see a brother or sister in Christ mislead, plant The Truth, pray and move on.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Don't stoop to a level that takes your credibility. Speak The Truth of God and let the chips fall.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
"If it be possible" lets face it, sometimes it's just not possible. What should we do then? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
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.
Use common sense here. This has nothing to do with protecting yourself from those that come to do physical harm to you and yours. This has to do with retaliation of things that have no real meaning. Stealing from you, talking bad about you, those small things that have no real baring on your soul. You're a Christian, a can do child of God.
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.
There is a lot of things that just aren't worth arguing over. Help when you can to whoever you can.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.