1Thessalonians 5:15 “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”

When someone hurts us, our natural response can be to hurt them back. We may retaliate with angry words, gossip, rejection, humiliation, or by looking for an opportunity to make them experience some of the pain they caused us. Paul tells believers to, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong.”

This doesn’t mean pretending that wrongdoing never happened. Forgiveness doesn’t remove the need for healthy boundaries, accountability, correction, or even appropriate consequences. Scripture never requires us to tolerate abuse or continually place ourselves in situations where someone can harm us.

But Christians are not called to revenge. Paul’s instruction reflects the teaching of Jesus. We don’t overcome evil by becoming like the person who hurt us. We refuse to allow someone else’s sinful behaviour to determine our own. Instead, Paul says we should “always strive to do what is good.”

Notice that he says we should do good “for each other and for everyone else.” Our responsibility to live like Christ extends beyond people who treat us well. Even when someone has wronged us, we are still called to respond in a way that honours God.

Sometimes doing good means forgiving. Sometimes it means speaking the truth. Sometimes it means establishing boundaries. Sometimes it means stepping away from an unhealthy relationship. And sometimes it means leaving justice in the hands of God and the appropriate authorities rather than taking revenge ourselves.

You can’t always control how others treat you, but by God’s grace, you can choose how you respond.

When someone does wrong to you, don’t become like them. Choose what’s right. Pursue what’s good. Trust God with justice.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, when others hurt or mistreat me, guard my heart from bitterness and revenge. Help me not to repay wrong with wrong. Give me wisdom to know when to forgive, when to speak, when to establish boundaries, and when to walk away. Help me to pursue what is good and leave justice in Your hands. May my response to others reflect the character of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Have a wonderful weekend. God bless and lots’a love,
Warren

Pastor Warren Retzlaff is the senior pastor for All Nations Aotearoa Church in Auckland New Zealand.

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