Friday, June 23
Take the high road
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
Observation
Paul concludes this letter with a series of moral admonitions, including this one about not exacting revenge, not paying back evil for evil, but doing what is good for one another and for all. Paul also says this in:
Romans 12:19–20 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.
He is echoing Jesus who said: Luke 6:27–28 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
And regarding doing good to all, see: Galatians 6:10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
Application
Revenge is our natural inclination. Hurt me, I’ll hurt you. Tit for tat.
Jesus calls us higher. Not only do we forgo revenge, but we actively do good for others, including our enemies, those who harm us. Rather than returning evil for evil, we do good. We break the chain of hurt.
When faced with the choice of returning evil for evil or doing good, I want to take the high road and do good. Every time.
Prayer: Lord, I love You and I need Your help. I naturally lean towards revenge. I want to do good instead. Help me take the high road every time.
More: Ecclesiastes 5-6, 1 Timothy 3