1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. To a people fleshly emerged out of paganism this counsel was still most appropriate, for the Greeks were remarkable for their undying feuds. I. WARNING AGAINST RETALIATION. "See that none render evil for evil to any man." 1. Retaliation is condemned both by the Old and the New Testaments. (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 12:19.) 2. It is condemned by Christ's beautiful example of forbearance. (1 Peter 2:23.) "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not." 3. It is expressly rebuked by Christ in the case of the disciples James and John. (Luke 9:54, 55.) 4. It springs from a spiteful heart. (Ezekiel 25:15.) 5. It indicates a want of trust in God. (Proverbs 20:22.) II. INCULCATION OF THE PURSUIT OF GOOD. "But ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men." Believers are not to resist evil, but to return good for evil - to overcome evil with good. 1. The good to be done is after the example of Christ, who "went about every day doing good." 2. It is done in virtue of union with Christ. (John 15:4, 5; Philippians 1:11.) 3. It is the preordained pathway of God's children. (Ephesians 2:10.) 4. Christians ought to provoke each other to good. (Hebrews 10:24.) 5. It is a grand argument for the gospel. (Matthew 5:16.) 6. It is to be catholic in its spirit; for it is to he done, not to believers only, but "to all men." The believer is to have "brotherly kindness" as well as "love" (2 Peter 1:7). 7. It is to be earnestly pursued. "Follow after that which is good." (1) Because it glorifies God (Matthew 5:16). (2) Because God remembers it (Hebrews 6:9, 10). (3) Because it is an evidence of faith (James 2:14-20). (4) Because it shall be brought into judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. |
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