See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
—1 Thessalonians 5:15
Have you ever felt like striking back at someone who has hurt or failed you terribly? We are all tempted to be spiteful—particularly if someone has seriously disillusioned or injured us. But despite the evil done to us, we must follow what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:15.
Paul did not suggest this. It is clear that when he wrote, “See that none render evil for evil,” he was commanding the Thessalonian Christians to refrain from retaliation. The word “none” in this verse indicates that no matter what is done to him, no Christian should retaliate or seek payback from someone who has hurt or failed him. Even if someone has gravely wronged us, cruelty in return is intolerable.
Paul did not allow this command to stop here. He required something more. He told the Thessalonians they must “ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” The word “ever” means constantly.” In other words, there is no instance we are allowed to waver in our commitment to “follow” that which is good. The Greek word for “follow” gives us a deeper meaning. In the Greek, “follow” is “dioko.” Strong’s Lexicon says it means “to chase and pursue something with intensity.” We are to earnestly press on and pursue that which is good with resolution and determination.
“Good” means anything right, helpful, and beneficial. We are to pursue doing what is right. That is often difficult. Nevertheless, despite how hard it is, we should be committed to doing what is good and beneficial. We must constantly pursue good in response to evil at all costs. Pursuing good is rendering good in response to evil. It is blessing the one who has hurt us.
“But I say to you,” Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
You may be tempted not to bless someone who has wronged you. However, remember, it is not your place to pay someone back or withhold a blessing when it is in your power to give it. We are to bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use us.
Paul also wrote we must pursue good “both among yourselves and to all men.” “Among yourselves” refers to the relationships that exist between believers. But we are not only to pursue good toward our fellow brethren. Paul also went on to say “to all men.” We are also to do good to those who are not Christians. Pursuing good in response to any evil is a powerful witness to the brethren and those who don’t know the Lord. We are to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Vengeance is the Lord’s. If there is any retribution, God needs to take care of it—not us. God calls us to redeem the lost—not wound them in return for the evil they have given us. It is the goodness of God that brings “all men” to repentance.
To do good to others who have hurt you will take your consistent, faithful commitment. You need the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to love and pray for those who persecute you. Submit yourself to God. Always resist the devil working to manipulate your hurt feelings and encouraging you to retaliate. He will flee, and God will empower you. Pledge yourself to render grace. Commit yourself to forgive as Christ forgave you. Promise to follow the Lord’s instruction not to render evil for evil but to pursue what is good. The Holy Spirit will stand with you to strengthen you in your obedience. Let God take care of the person who has rendered evil. Pursue good, and bless all men.
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