What We Are Urged to Do (2)

Paul’s final words in 1 Thessalonians are a listing of dos and don’t. Do teach, do warn people in sin, do comfort others, and do help the weak. And do be patient toward all even though that is challenging at times (5:14). But then there is a big don’t…

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone” (1 Th 5:15). This is a tough one. Especially because we’re supposed to apply it to “anyone” – that’s anyone at all! Our minds go racing, looking for someone or some situation where there would be an exception, but in the end it is clear: We are not to do evil to anyone, even if they do evil to us. It doesn’t matter who it is and it doesn’t matter what the evil is that they do or perpetrate on us or those we love.

This includes people who are simply doing evil AND people who are doing evil
that affects us, is directed at us, and even hurts us (or those we love). The Spirit has to say this because He knows what the world does and what we are tempted to when someone does evil. He knows how we are tempted to respond to being cursed at. He knows how we are tempted to respond to injustice. He knows how we are tempted to respond to being cheated. He knows how we are tempted to respond to physical violence. The godly solution? “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone” (5:15).

So, do they get away with doing evil? Do they get away with injustice and violence? 1 Peter 2:21-23 is helpful here:

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously”.

When the greatest evil, injustice, and violence in history was being committed against Jesus, He didn’t return evil for evil! Although He desired their forgiveness, He knew they wouldn’t get away with it – God would judge righteously.

“But always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Th 5:15). Judgement isn’t ours. Revenge isn’t ours. Responding in kind, evil for evil, isn’t ours. But what IS ours is pursuing what is good. No matter what is happening, do what is good and right in the sight of God. PERIOD! No buts or what ifs. Just do what is good in every situation. And do it “for yourselves and for all.” Yes, do good for yourself and those you love. But “for all” includes those who aren’t loveable or even our enemies (see Mt 5:44). So, don’t return evil to anyone, but do good to everyone. How will you live this today?    dd