Romans 12 good news bible

Here is Romans 12 in the Good News Bible (GNB):

Romans 12

1 Therefore, my dear friends, because of God's great mercy to us, I appeal to you: offer your bodies as living sacrifices to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do this and you will be able to think about what is pleasing to God, and not about what you want to do.

2 Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Then you will be able to understand what God wants and will agree to live according to what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

3 Because of God's great mercy to us, I ask you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, which is your spiritual worship. Do this, and you will be able to think about what is pleasing to God, and not about what you want to do.

4 Each of you should use your God-given gifts to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

5 If your gift is that of speaking, speak as one who is speaking God's words. If you serve as a teacher, teach. If you encourage others, be encouraging. If you give, be generous. If you lead, do so with zeal. If you help with the needs of others, do so cheerfully.

6 I tell you this, brothers and sisters: the time of judging the world has not yet come. But among you, one unruly thing remains. Only God knows how we will live until he comes.

7 So, stop judging each other. Instead, judge this one thing: that no one should commit adultery or be immoral, or be greedy, or be mean-spirited, or worship false gods.

8 You should not harm or destroy anything you have as a neighbor. Remember that you were once pagans who did not know God's ways, but now you know him and must stop doing the evil things your bodies want to do.

9 Do not be controlled by your sinful nature, which loves to do evil things. Do not be controlled by the things that are done by the world, such as the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

10 Since you have been given a new life, use it to show the Master, who gave himself for you, that you believe his gospel. And be thankful!

11 Welcome fellow believers who become your guests, and show them hospitality.

12 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who do this have entertained angels without knowing it.

13 Remember those who are in prison, as if you were in prison with them. Remember those who are being mistreated, as if you were being mistreated with them.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless them and do not curse them. Rejoice when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you. Be happy when they are angry with you, and do not be sad when they treat you badly.

15 Be patient, and put up with difficult situations, and be devoted to prayer.

16 If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on their heads.

17 Do not avenge yourselves, my dear friends, but leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord."

18 If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also. If someone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles.

19 Give to those who ask you, and do not turn away from those who want to borrow from you.

20 Be kind to one another, compassionate, and humble. Do not be proud or selfish or anxious.

21 Be content with what you have, because God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you."

22 So then, if you are suffering as a Christian, do not be ashamed of it. But put your hope in the glory that will be shown to you in the future.

23 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

24 But if anyone follows evil desires and is led astray, remember that such a person was once a believer.

25 Hold on to what is good, and avoid every kind of evil.

26 Those who are considered worthy of taking part in the kingdom of God will receive a kingdom that has been prepared for them.

27 But you, my dear friends, must worship God in a way that is pure and true. You must love each other and show kindness to each other. Be humble and gentle. Be patient and stand up for what is right.

28 Do not be controlled by your sinful nature, but be controlled by the Spirit. Do not be idle, but be busy and serve the Lord.

29 Let no one cheat the Lord of his reward.

30 Remember that our time on this earth is short, and that our reward will come later.

31 So, my dear friends, do not be discouraged or give up. Do not be afraid of what others may do to you. If your heart is right with God, you will be happy and at peace, and you will be safe in the presence of God.