1 Thessalonians 5:15

Text (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

15 See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.

Translation and Paraphrase

15.

See that none (of you) return to anyone (an) evil (deed) for (an) evil (deed), but (rather) always seek (to do) the good (thing, both) to each other (as Christians), and (also) to all (men).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

1.

This teaching about not returning evil for evil is contrary to everything the world does and believes. But it is repeatedly commanded in the Scriptures.

Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you that ye resist not evil. See also Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 3:9; Matthew 5:39-41.

2.

The caution to see is a warning that this practice of returning evil for evil can creep into our actions without our being aware that it is happening.

3.

Note that the practice of not returning evil for evil, but rather returning good, is to be done by Christians to two groups:

(1)

Among themselves;

(2)

To all men.

4.

Savonarola said years ago, A Christian's life consists in doing good and suffering evil.

5.

Four ways to react

1.

The cruel (or Communist) way

Return evil for good.

2.

The common way

Return evil for evil.

3.

The courteous (or civil) way

Return good for good.

4.

The Christian way

Return good for evil.