Daily Bible Verse On Goodness

 

1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.

The book of 1 Thessalonians was written by the apostle St.Paul to the Christian community in Thessalonica, a city in ancient Macedonia. The purpose of the letter was to provide encouragement, instruction, and clarification on various matters related to Christian living and the second coming of Jesus Christ.

In the preceding verses, St.Paul addresses various aspects of Christian conduct, emphasizing the importance of living a holy and blameless life, staying alert and sober in anticipation of Christ's return, and treating one another with love and respect.

Let's look at the context of 1 Thessalonians 5:15 in verses 12-15:

"12 But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone."

In this context, St.Paul is addressing the relationships within the Christian community. He encourages them to:

    Respect and esteem their leaders who are working hard for the Lord's purposes.
    Live in harmony and peace with one another.
    Support and help those who are struggling or in need.
    Be patient and understanding with each other.

In verse 15, St.Paul emphasizes a key principle of Christian ethics: not retaliating with evil when someone does wrong. Instead, Christians are urged to respond with goodness and love. The principle is not limited to interactions within the Christian community but extends to all people ("to one another and to everyone"). This aligns with Jesus' teaching of loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

The message is clear: Christians should refrain from seeking revenge or repaying evil with evil. Instead, they should be proactive in doing good to one another and to everyone they encounter. By responding to evil with goodness, Christians can be a positive influence in the world and demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 encourages Christians to live peacefully, support one another, and respond to evil with good. It's a call to foster an atmosphere of love, grace, and understanding within the Christian community and in their interactions with people outside the faith.