Good for Evil

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“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 5v15 (KJV)

The Bible here is telling us that even if someone does evil to you, do not repay the person with evil. Some would say “two wrongs don’t make a right”. As believers, we must not have the mentality of “you do me, I do you, God no go vex” meaning “what you did for me, I will do for you, and God will not be angry.” Instead, we are even told to “turn the other cheek.” Yes, seriously! If we are vexed and offended, we are told not to avenge ourselves, but let God take care of it, for vengeance is His (Romans 12v19). Instead, we are to do good continually. Galatians 6v9-10 (NIV) says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Supplementary Text

“Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for He has said that He will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands.” Romans 12v12-19 (TLB)

Prayer

Father we thank You for You are a good God and we are Your children. We thank You for and ask for increased grace to do good always, and never to repay evil for evil. We ask for eyes to see the opportunities to do good around us and to actually do it in Jesus name, amen.