Friday, November 28, 2014

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 -- On Following Good and Rejoicing

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18


Good advice. :)  It is hard not to render evil for evil.  When people hurt us, we often want to hurt them back, but being capital-G Good and following God, we have to figure out a way to let go of those urges for revenge or retribution, and let God worry about the eternal balance. :)  After all, we probably don't want all of the evil we have sent out to return to us.  ... Which is why it is a really good thing that God is in charge, and can relieve some of that balance for us, so we don't have to suffer.  Let's try not to make anyone else suffer either.  If we follow and focus on the good, maybe the bad will have less control over our actions.
Rejoice evermore.  Love that. :)  Great idea.  Not always easy, but awesome to remember that this, also, is a commandment.  Let's find the reasons to rejoice in our lives rather than focusing on the imperfection and the injustice.  And let's bring reasons to rejoice into the lives of others as well. :)
Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. :)  Two things that go together well, and something that can really assist us in our efforts to see the positive around us.  Let's start thanking God for things, and getting into that mindset of remembering our incredible and multitudinous blessings. :)  And hey, if we're thankful, and praying, and rejoicing, it will be a lot easier to return some good rather than some evil, no matter what we're getting from others. :)

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