I Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”
We have a natural inclination to want to get back at someone whose harmed us. When younger, we dreamt of how we would enact our revenge. We imagine that they would be sorry and all would see us as just. But then we learned that people respond in kind and it goes down hill from there. They see us as the one to get revenge upon. We find ourselves embarrassed or in a worse place. The cycle is endless. Paul says this is repaying evil for evil.
He says we are to “seek after that which is good for one another”. Jesus said of the one we see as our oppressor, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two”, (Matthew 5:41). We aren’t to enter the competitive cycle. It’s not giving up, but not even starting.
Some may say, “Don’t I matter? Why should I allow myself to be looked down upon or used?” We can gain sympathy from our safe people. However, when in the battle, we aren’t to enter this type of fight. We are to trust the Lord as our defender. Paul says in Romans 12:9 ‘Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.’
The next two verses in Romans give us our mindset, ““BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This requires God’s resources. As we look to Him, He will help us.
This isn’t referring to abuse or crimes. For Jesus told His disciples to get protection by buying a sword (Luke 22:26).
Lord, thank You for a way out of the toxic revenge cycle. Help us to overcome evil with good.