How can we "always pursue what is good" in daily interactions with others? Grounding Ourselves in 1 Thessalonians 5:15 “Make sure that no one repays evil for evil, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.” Understanding the Call • “Always” rules out exceptions—no off-days, no justified grudges. • “Pursue” signals active, persistent effort, not casual preference. • “What is good” is measured by God’s character, not shifting feelings. Guarding Against Payback • Evil for evil feels natural; the Spirit empowers a supernatural response (Galatians 5:22-23). • Romans 12:17-19 echoes the command: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… leave room for God’s wrath.” • Replace retaliation with blessing (1 Peter 3:9). Daily, Practical Pursuits of Good Home – Speak gently when tensions rise (Ephesians 4:29). – Serve without keeping score: wash dishes, handle chores, offer encouragement. Work or School – Refuse gossip; defend the absent (Proverbs 10:12). – Do tasks “heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Credit teammates publicly; take correction humbly. Community – Look for the lonely: greet, listen, include (Hebrews 13:2). – Support local ministries with time and resources (Galatians 6:10). Online – Pause before typing; ask if words build up (Ephesians 4:31-32). – Resist trolling; answer with grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Drawing Strength from Christ’s Example • He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). • On the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). • His Spirit now lives in believers, enabling the same attitude (Philippians 2:5). Cultivating a Heart that Seeks Good • Start the day in Scripture; renew the mind (Romans 12:2). • Pray for those who annoy or oppose you (Matthew 5:44). • Memorize verses on kindness; recall them when tempted to retaliate. Encouragement in Every Relationship Family: Be quick to apologize, quicker to forgive. Friends: Celebrate their successes; guard against envy. Strangers: Small courtesies—holding doors, letting someone merge—reflect Christ’s love. Enemies: Do good “so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45). Motivation and Promise • Pursuing good displays the gospel and silences critics (Titus 2:7-8). • God notices each act (Hebrews 6:10). • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). By God’s grace, the command becomes daily practice, and ordinary interactions turn into bright testimonies of His goodness. |
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