Morning Moments

Following Good

[1 Thes 5:15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

The first part of our text makes it very clear that vengeance is not the Christian way to live. We do not render insult for insult, criticism for criticism, hurt for hurt, etc. Peter said “When He (Jesus) was reviled, He reviled not again” or He did not retaliate. That is the world’s way, not our way as Christians. But the text doesn’t stop there for it continues by telling us to follow after, pursue, or press toward that which is of moral, ethical, and/or spiritual value not merely for yourself but for others also. So, the text tells us to avoid evil and advance good.

It’s easy to do good to those who do good to you but to do good to those who do you evil is another thing altogether. It takes the grace of God and He has just enough for us to do it. He never requires what He does not provide grace for us to do. It also gives God an opportunity to see the reality of the presence of Christ in our lives when we do not do wrong just because wrong has been done to us.

I don’t know if you have ever seen a horse whisperer but it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. One can take a wild horse that has never had a saddle or a rider; calmly and quietly whisper into the ear of that wild animal and soon place a saddle on the animal and ride without any danger of being thrown.

Maybe with some people it has gone too far. Maybe some have so hardened their hearts that no one and nothing can reach them, but isn’t it our responsibility as Christians to offer a word “fitly spoken” rather than insult and retaliation? The Word indicates that it is.

BLESSINGS!