Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. 
Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, 
since they give thanks to God before eating. 
And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please 
the Lord and give thanks to God.

Some think one day is more holy than another day, 
while others think every day is alike. 
You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.

One person believes it’s all right to eat anything. 
But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 
Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. 
And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, 
for God has accepted them.

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, 
and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. 
Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, 
or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. 
So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, 
and put on the shining armor of right living.

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; 
time is running out. 
Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Love does no wrong to others, 
so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. 
You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” 
These and other such commandments are summed up in one commandment: 
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. 
If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.

So you must submit to them, 
not only to avoid punishment, 
but also to keep a clear conscience.

The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. 
But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, 
for they have the power to punish you. 
They are God’s servants, 
sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.

For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, 
but in those who are doing wrong. 
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? 
Do what is right, and they will honor you.

So anyone who rebels against authority 
is rebelling against what God has instituted, 
and they will be punished.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. 
For all authority comes from God, 
and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.

Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. 
For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Never pay back evil with more evil. 
Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

Live in harmony with each other. 
Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. 
And don’t think you know it all!

Be happy with those who are happy, 
and weep with those who weep.