1 Thessalonians 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.
Paul commends those who work for the Lord. He advises guidance for those who don't. He encourages patience. Then he offers these words.
It's hard to follow this advice. It's easy to commend the good people, unless you are jealous of them. It's a lot harder to find effective ways to guide the "idle and disruptive" folks. Patience is a virtue many lack, especially today. But the last verse, well, it's just not likely to happen. Nobody pays back wrong for wrong? And we choose to do what is best for everyone else? Not in this lifetime! We can try, but we better use a little of that patience on ourselves.
Prayer: I will try, Lord, to work and serve You well. I will look for ways to guide the people who don't advance Your work on Earth. I will try to be more patient. I'm going to focus on what is good for the people I encounter and even those far away. Be with me.
Amen
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