Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:15

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.

Today’s verse is another great reminder that everything we do should be done with kindness and love. We are told by Paul to make sure nobody responds in kind to the wrong that was done to them. We don’t live in Old Testament times of eye for an eye (Exodus 21:24). Instead, we live in a time where Jesus told us to turn the other cheek (Luke 6:29).

It is so much easier for us to want to retaliate when someone does us wrong. We naturally fall into the role of victim and want justice for what has been done. But we are told in this verse as well as in others that we are to love one another, friends and enemies alike. We are to show brotherly love, to love others as Christ loved the church, and so on.

We are told to always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else. We are to ALWAYS strive. Not just a one time effort or something we attempt to do every now and then. We are always striving to do what is good, even when someone has done what is bad first. We always strive to do good in all situations and circumstances.

And pay attention to who it directs that goodness to. Paul says do what is good for each other (believers) and for everyone else (non-believers). He doesn’t discriminate here. He includes everyone in that list, because all can be included in “each other” and “everyone else.” We strive to do good to every person at all times. That is a pretty lofty response, right? Just remember,  on our own it is a challenge, near impossible to do. But with God, all things are possible. We have the Holy Spirit within us who guides us and helps us to love others and show kindness and goodness to them.

Do you often play the victim card? If yes, today is the day to stop and to begin striving to do what is good for others. If no, the same response is true for you, too. Begin striving to do what is good for others – for everyone you meet and encounter today. Let the Spirit do good, be kind, and love them through all situations and circumstances.

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