As long as it is within our power we are to live peacefully in the place we live. We are to warn those in the Body of Christ when their actions go against the commands of Jesus. We rejoice with those who are doing well and we comfort those who are struggling. We are to be people of compassion, patient and kind to all.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
We seek the good of others never calling evil good nor good evil. To seek revenge is using evil and calling it good. Carla
The Thessalonians had to face the fact that some of them were not living as Christians should, but were unruly. They needed to be warned about their behavior. Some were fainthearted and needed comfort. The congregation should also uphold the weak and be patient toward all, recognizing that all Christians have faults. To be most effective in promoting positive change in people’s lives, believers should respond to individuals according to each one’s particular needs.
For a Christian to try to get revenge is a denial of basic Christian love (Romans 12:17; 1 Pet. 3:9), and it goes against Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5:38–42; 18:21–35). The NKJV Study Bible
Paul continues his discussion of the Lord’s return but now turns to another question that the Thessalonians had raised—the timing. Paul dismisses the need for speculation. Instead, he urges believers to be alert and self-controlled as they live in expectation of the Day of the Lord. Faithlife Study Bible
We often think that God needs us—that we are His arms rather than His agents. When we see our work as integral to God’s kingdom, thinking that God needs us, our vision, our doctrines, or our ideas in order to further His kingdom, we might be guilty of something else entirely. These feelings are often motivated by our own feelings of inadequacy. We can sometimes be more concerned with proving ourselves than honoring God. Barry, J. D., & Kruyswijk, R. (2012).
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 1 Corinthians 16:16
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Ephesians 4:29
No one of us is on this journey alone. And we need one another not only for care and comfort, but to pick up the pieces and find ways to create spaces in our world that does not (or will not) belittle or diminish or demean. “Sabbath Moments”
True satisfaction with external blessings starts with an internal desire to know God as a Person, not just a source of power, position, or possessions. Christ Himself is our never-fading treasure. Nothing we could enjoy on earth is better than Him. First5
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