In this chapter, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to live out their faith through practical devotion, unity, and love, in response to God’s mercies as referenced in verse 1 and building on the doctrinal foundation in previous chapters.

Living Sacrifice and Transformation (vv. 1-2)

1 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. 2 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.

• Paul calls believers to offer themselves fully to God as an act of worship, resisting worldly patterns and seeking renewal to discern God’s will.

Humility and Gifts in the Body of Christ (vv. 3-8)

3 For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. 4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another, 6 having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

• Believers are urged to think humbly of themselves, recognizing their unity as one body in Christ, and to use their diverse spiritual gifts—such as prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy—for the common good.

Genuine Love and Community Life (vv. 9-13)

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another, 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.

• Paul instructs on sincere love that hates evil, honors others, maintains zeal in service, rejoices in hope, perseveres in hardship, prays constantly, and supports fellow believers through sharing and hospitality, demonstrating how transformation manifests in daily conduct.

Responding to Persecution and Evil (vv. 14-21)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

• Believers are called to bless persecutors, empathize with others, live humbly and peaceably, avoid revenge, trust God’s justice, show kindness to enemies (alluding to Proverbs 25:21-22, which may lead to repentance or divine judgment), and conquer evil through goodness, demonstrating how transformation manifests in daily conduct.