Romans – Chapter 12

New Testament21 Verses

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service.

2And be not conformed to this world: but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and the acceptable and the perfect will of God.

3For I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise unto sobriety and according as God hath divided to every one the measure of faith.

4For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office:

5So we, being many, are one body in Christ; and every one members one of another:

6And having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith;

7Or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine;

8He that exhorteth, in exhorting; he that giveth, with simplicity; he that ruleth, with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good,

10Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood: with honour preventing one another.

11In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord.

12Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer.

13Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality.

14Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15Rejoice with them that rejoice: weep with them that weep.

16Being of one mind one towards another. Not minding high things, but consenting to the humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17To no man rendering evil for evil. Providing good things, not only in the sight of God but also in the sight of all men.

18If it be possible, as much as is in you, have peace with all men.

19Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.

20But if the enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give him to drink. For, doing this, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

21Be not overcome by evil: but overcome evil by good.

Reflection for Today

Romans Chapter 12 presents the ethical implications of the Gospel, which Catholic moral theology develops extensively. The Catechism cites Paul's call to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" as the foundation for the spiritual worship that characterizes Christian life (CIC 2031). The transformation of mind that Paul describes is the goal of ongoing conversion.

The teaching on spiritual gifts and the body of Christ grounds Catholic ecclesiology. The Catechism teaches that the Church is Christ's Body, with diverse members exercising different gifts for the common good (CIC 791-795). This organic unity in diversity characterizes Catholic understanding of the Church's structure and mission.

Paul's practical instructions—"love one another with brotherly affection," "bless those who persecute you," "live peaceably with all"—express the moral life that flows from faith. The Catechism presents these as expressions of the New Law written on believers' hearts by the Holy Spirit (CIC 1965-1974). This chapter reminds us that authentic faith transforms not only our beliefs but our behavior, relationships, and entire way of life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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