In what ways can you actively "pursue what is good" this week? Anchoring Our Week in 1 Thessalonians 5:15 “See that no one repays evil for evil, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.” Begin with the Heart—Setting Your Inner Compass • Ask the Spirit to search your motives each morning (Psalm 139:23-24). • Memorize the verse above and repeat it before key interactions. • Replace critical thoughts with Philippians 4:8 reminders: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure—think on these things. • Keep a gratitude journal; thankful hearts naturally seek good for others. Home Front—Goodness in the Family • Speak blessing instead of criticism (Ephesians 4:29). • Offer to shoulder an extra chore without being asked. • Carve out screen-free time for listening—genuinely hear a spouse or child. • Pray aloud for each family member’s day at the breakfast table. Workplace and School—Shining Where You’re Planted • Arrive early and leave spaces tidier than you found them (Colossians 3:23). • Respond to snide comments with gentle answers (Proverbs 15:1). • Give credit publicly when a teammate succeeds. • Bring encouragement: a handwritten note, a quick “I appreciate you,” or covering a shift. Church Family—Building Up the Body • Greet someone new and learn their story (Romans 12:10). • Volunteer for a less-visible task—clean-up, nursery duty, stacking chairs. • Send a mid-week text with a verse that met your own need (Hebrews 3:13). • Support a missionary or benevolence fund; goodness is generous (Acts 20:35). Community Engagement—Good for “All People” • Pay for a stranger’s coffee or toll. • Visit a shut-in neighbor; mow a lawn or take out trash (Galatians 6:10). • Write an encouraging email to a public servant. • Refuse social-media retaliation; instead post Scripture or silence (1 Peter 3:9). Guardrails—Resisting the Urge to Repay Evil • Pause and count to ten when provoked; pray, “Lord, guard my lips.” • Recall Jesus’ words: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend, expecting nothing in return.” (Luke 6:35) • Remember the cross: Christ absorbed our evil and repaid us with grace. • Choose forgiveness quickly—release offenses before bedtime (Ephesians 4:26-27). Fuel for Perseverance—Relying on God’s Strength • Daily Scripture intake: good deeds flow from renewed minds (Romans 12:2). • Remember the Spirit’s fruit includes goodness (Galatians 5:22-23); depend on Him, not mere willpower. • Encourage accountability—share your “pursue good” plan with a trusted believer. • Rest in God’s promise: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Pursue good, trusting that the One who calls you is faithful and will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). |
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