Always strive to do what is good for each other
1 Thessalonians 5:15 - As in Paul’s time, the Christian church today needs a constant reminder to always do good not only for other followers of Jesus, but for the rest of the world as well.
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“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV
Paul’s first epistle to the church of Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) was one of the first books of the New Testament to be written (49-51 AD) while he was on his second missionary journey and staying in Corinth. The church members were confused about the return of Christ, so Paul used his letter to clear up the confusion and also provide instructions about holy living. The latter instructions would be very useful, as the church was made up of people who were not of Jewish heritage.
The first part of the verse enumerates the Christian ethic of non-retaliation. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-39), and this concept is found throughout the Old Testament as well. For example, Proverbs 20:22 advises the righteous person to avoid seeking revenge — “'Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord , and he will avenge you. '
However, in the Greek and Roman world of the first century, honor and retribution were highly valued. Non-retaliation would have seemed challenging and counter cultural. Paul was advising the early Christians to reflect the example of Christ, who did not retaliate when He was wronged (i.e., 1 Peter 2:23). Teaching this to the Thessalonians was essentially a way of teaching them about God’s justice and trusting that He will eventually right all wrongs.
The last part of the verse asks believers to “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everybody else.” Paul was telling them to actively seek to improve the welfare of others. The Greek word for “pursue” or “always strive” is διώκω (diōkō), which in this case has meaning as “to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire”. In other words, to continually, intentionally, and actively do good.
You probably noticed that Paul mentioned that the church needed to do good “for each other and for everybody else.” This is in line with the biblical mandate to do good for all, especially for those who are also believers (Galatians 6:10), but broadens the scope to include all people. Christian love should be universal, going beyond social, ethnic, and religious boundaries, so Paul reminded the Thessalonians to do good in their community (“everybody else”) as well.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlined the mission of the Church as a “light of the world”:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NASB1995
As in Paul’s time, the Christian church today needs a constant reminder to always do good not only for other followers of Jesus, but for the rest of the world as well.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank You for displaying Your loving and grace-filled character to the world through me. Guide me to always show kindness and goodness so that I honor You with my thoughts, words, and actions every day of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.