Overcome Evil with Active Good

01/20/2026

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

It’s one thing to believe the right things; it’s another to live them out when life rubs us the wrong way. Paul’s words here are deeply practical. He doesn’t say, “Try not to retaliate,” or “Do your best when it’s convenient.” He says, “Make sure.” This is intentional, watchful, Spirit-led living.

Every one of us knows the instinct to repay wrong for wrong. Someone cuts us off, emotionally, relationally, professionally, and something rises up in us that says, “They deserve it.” Retaliation feels justified. It feels fair. But the Kingdom of God doesn’t run on fairness; it runs on grace.

Paul is writing to a church learning how to live differently in a watching world. The call is not passive goodness, but active pursuit, “always strive to do what is good.” That word strive implies effort, resolve, and choice. Good doesn’t just happen; it is chosen, especially when it costs us something.

Jesus modeled this kind of goodness. When mocked, He did not mock back. When harmed, He did not threaten. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father and responded with love that disarmed evil. The cross itself is the ultimate example of refusing to return wrong for wrong, and in doing so, defeating evil altogether.

This verse also stretches our vision outward. Paul says, “for each other and for everyone else.” It’s easier to be gracious within the church than outside of it. But the credibility of our faith is often tested in how we treat those who don’t treat us well, coworkers, strangers, critics, even enemies.

Goodness is not weakness. It is strength under control. It is trust that God sees, God judges rightly, and God redeems what we surrender to Him. When we choose good over revenge, we leave room for God to work in ways we never could.

Today, you may not be able to control how others act, but you can control how you respond. And your response may be the very thing God uses to bring light into a dark situation.

Action Steps
• Pause before reacting when you feel wronged, invite the Holy Spirit into that moment.
• Ask yourself, “What response reflects Christ here?”
• Choose one intentional act of kindness today, especially toward someone difficult.
• Pray for the person who hurt you, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Challenge for Today
Refuse to replay the offense. Instead, replace it with a deliberate act of goodness. Let your response preach louder than your words.

Prayer
Lord, You see every wrong done to us, and You know how quickly our hearts want to respond in kind. Help us to trust You with justice and choose goodness instead of revenge. Shape our reactions to look more like Jesus. Give us courage to do what is right, even when it’s hard, and let our lives reflect Your grace to everyone we encounter. Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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