Living Sacrifices (1 Corinthians 3:16–23; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
1 UDB My fellow believers, since God has acted mercifully toward you in so many ways, I appeal to all of you that you present yourselves like a sacrifice that is alive, a sacrifice that you give to God alone and that pleases him. This is the only right way to worship him. BSB BSB: Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 UDB Do not let unbelievers guide you in how you behave. Instead, let God change your way of thinking and make it new in order that you may know what he wants you to do, so you may know how to act in ways that please him, the ways in which he himself acts. BSB BSB: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
3 UDB Because God has kindly appointed me to be his apostle, which I did not deserve, I say this to every one of you: Do not think you are better than you really are. Instead, think about yourselves in a sensible way, a way that is the same as the way in which God has allowed you to trust in him. BSB BSB: For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
4 UDB Although a person has one body, it consists of many parts. All of the parts are necessary for the body, but they do not all function the same way. BSB BSB: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,
5 UDB Similarly, although we are many, we are united into one group because we are joined to Christ, and we belong to one another. So no one should act as though he is more important than the others. BSB BSB: so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.
6 UDB Instead, since each one of us can do different things because God makes us different from each other, we should do them eagerly and cheerfully. Those of us to whom God gives messages for others should speak in a way that fits our trust in God. BSB BSB: We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
7 UDB Those whom God has enabled to serve others should do that. Those whom God has enabled to teach his truth should do that. BSB BSB: if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 UDB Those whom God has enabled to encourage others should do it wholeheartedly. Those whom God has enabled to give things to others should do so without holding back. Those whom God has enabled to manage others should do it, and do it with care. Those whom God has enabled to help the needy should do it cheerfully. BSB BSB: if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality (John 13:31–35; 1 John 3:11–24)
9 UDB The way you must love people is to love them sincerely. Hate what is evil. Continue to eagerly do what God considers to be good. BSB BSB: Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 UDB Love one another as members of the same family do; and in regard to honoring one another, you should be the first ones to do it. BSB BSB: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
11 UDB Do not be lazy. Instead, be eager to serve God. Be enthusiastic as you serve the Lord. BSB BSB: Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 UDB Rejoice because you are confidently awaiting what God will do for you. When you suffer, be patient. Keep praying and never give up. BSB BSB: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
13 UDB If any of God's people lacks anything, share with them what you have. Be creative in hosting others. BSB BSB: Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–35)
15 UDB If someone is joyful, you should rejoice with them. If someone is sad, you should be sad with them. BSB BSB: Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
16 UDB Desire for others what you desire for yourselves. Do not be proud in how you think; instead, be friends with people who seem unimportant. Do not consider yourselves wise. BSB BSB: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
18 UDB Live peacefully with other people whenever it is possible, to the extent that you can control the situation. BSB BSB: If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
20 UDB Instead of doing evil deeds to those who have done evil deeds to you, do as the scriptures teach: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing that, you will cause them to feel the pain of shame and perhaps they will change their attitude toward you." BSB BSB: On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 UDB Do not sin because of the evil deeds that others do to you. Instead do good to them so that they will learn to do good. BSB BSB: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.