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1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
[From the New International Version]
1 Thessalonians 5:15 encourages us to break the cycle of retaliation and revenge. It teaches that responding to wrongs with further wrongs only perpetuates negativity and harm. Instead of seeking revenge, we’re called to rise above the impulse to retaliate and choose a path of forgiveness and patience.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of striving to do what is good. This isn’t just about avoiding wrongdoing but actively seeking ways to do good to others. The word “strive” suggests that doing good requires effort and intentionality, especially when faced with difficult situations or people who may have wronged us.
Furthermore, the call to do good extends to those within our immediate circle and to “everyone else.” This broadens the scope of our actions to include all people, regardless of how they treat us. It’s a reminder that our kindness and goodness should be universal, reflecting the unconditional love and grace that we receive from God.
It is a powerful call to live out our faith through positive actions, even in challenging circumstances. It encourages us to be peacemakers and to prioritize the well-being of others, fostering a community where love and goodness prevail over resentment and retaliation.
