“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
In today’s culture, at least according to the media – the way humans solve problems is by hurting one another. This idea of getting even for a wrong or even a perceived wrong, a rush to judgment that leads to violence creates a cycle of brutality that if not stopped leads to anarchy and chaos, and people not even knowing why they are doing what they are doing – the first wrong is not even remembered, there have been so many other wrongs. I once worked in an environment where a person could be commended and commended, but one small mistake could wipe out all the good that had been previously accomplished. The saddest thing is that there are people who claim to be followers of Christ fall just as easily into this vicious cycle some times.
You’ve heard on the news a driver cuts someone else the “offended” party chases down the wrong doer and the cycle starts and doesn’t end until someone – possibly someone not even involved is hurt or dead. The cycle doesn’t have to include physical violence - hate filled words can do just as much damage. Ok I can hear some of you say but what about…? In the Old Testament the strong language and judgment were intended to some balance and limits to hand handling of wrong doing by individuals and their leaders. In the New Testament Jesus set a higher standard for the offended party to abide by when he said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:38-39). Later in Matthew He also His audience: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus never said, go get a bigger stick. He never said respond to harsh words with even harsher words.
The Apostle Paul and Peter both tell their fellow believers to respond with kindness. This week’s pass from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians make it clear that we should not pay back wrong with another wrong. We have a choice to make today and everyday – we can allow ourselves to get caught in the cycle of thinking two wrongs will eventually make it right or we can respond to the wrong we see around us with divine goodness.
What does it look like to respond to our world with divine goodness? Yield when you have the right of way. If you get cut off – pray for that driver because there maybe something happening in their life distracting them. Open the door for someone; let someone cut in front of you in line. As Paul instructs – encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone and respect those in authority over you even in those moments when they don’t deserve it. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Overcome evil with good, it’s the only way to break the cycle.
Just remember two wrongs just make for more wrongs and good, especially divine goodness can change a life, can change the world.
A Prayer
Father – Forgive us for the times when we allow our worldly, sinful nature to get the better us and we retaliate for offenses made against us with just as much or more force. Help us to bring Your light, Your goodness, Your kindness into every situation we face. May we be the ones who lift people up and show them the way to Your love for the healing this world so desperately needs. In the name of Jesus, who taught us love our enemies, we pray – Amen.
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