DO NOT RETALIATE

1 Thessalonians 5:15  "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."

There is always the tendency to get even with the persons who have caused us pain or distress.

Today's verse is a warning against the attitude of revenge and retaliation. The words, "See that none render evil for evil unto any man;" indicate that the possibility is always there to want to repay evil for evil. Undoubtedly, when we display such behaviour, we are seeking vengeance;  catering to self-satisfaction; exhibiting immaturity and thus put ourselves in 'the same boat' as the offenders. The desire to seek vengeance, is to actually usurp ( assume, take) the place of God.

Romans 12:19 states ".... Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Our Christian maturity, with the aid of the Holy Spirit,  will bring us to the point, where we relinquish the pain, the agony, the hurt and place justice in God's hands. The conclusion of our verse of focus gives the alternative to vengeance, "but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men". The Apostle Paul, who has endured much pain and affliction, is encouraging us to do the right thing, which is to embrace the good.

We must forgive our offenders and look for opportunities to bless them, to do good to them. By so doing, we are demonstrating God's  principles. He daily forgives us and showers us with blessings. Our ultimate example is Jesus.  He suffered much anguish and abuse at the hands of His offenders. Yet, His response was

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."(Luke 23:34). May we follow Jesus' example and be richly blessed. The blessings that we receive will also cause transformation, reconciliation and restoration among our offenders.