Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Christianity is unlike other religions. Other religions say, “You obey, then you are accepted.” Christianity says, “You are accepted, therefore you can obey.” Our acts of worship are a response to God’s mercy, not to get God’s mercy. So rejoice today, and realize that you are already accepted through the work of the cross. Now you can live a life that is holy and pleasing to God.