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.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse gives a strong and simple command: don’t return evil for evil. Instead of paying someone back when they hurt you or treat you unfairly, Paul says to choose what is good-for others in the church and for everyone else outside of it too.
The natural human instinct is to fight back when we’ve been wronged. But Paul calls believers to live differently. He’s not saying we should ignore sin or let injustice slide. He’s saying that revenge has no place in the life of someone who follows Christ. Getting even might feel satisfying in the moment, but it doesn’t reflect the grace we’ve received from God.
The second half of the verse shifts from what not to do to what we should do: “always strive to do what is good.” That word strive means to make it a goal, to pursue it with purpose. Doing good doesn’t just happen-it takes effort, intention, and the help of the Holy Spirit.
Paul expands the command beyond the church walls. We’re to do good not just for believers, but for everyone. This includes enemies, difficult people, and those who may never thank us. This is what sets Christians apart-radical kindness and grace that reflect the heart of God.
Historical Context
In the early church, believers often faced persecution, misunderstanding, and mistreatment-from both outsiders and, at times, even from fellow believers. The temptation to retaliate or hold grudges was very real.
Some in the Thessalonian church may have wanted to push back against opposition with force or hostility. Others may have struggled with personal conflicts within the church community. Paul knew how easily bitterness can grow and how destructive it can be to the unity and witness of the church.
So he wrote this instruction not just as a moral rule, but as a vital part of living out the gospel in a hostile world.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that the Christian life is marked by forgiveness, grace, and goodness. It reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, not to us (see Romans 12:19). When we refuse to repay evil with evil, we are trusting God to deal with injustice in His way and His time.
It also highlights that doing good isn’t limited to people who deserve it. God’s goodness wasn’t limited to those who earned it-He gave it freely, and He calls us to do the same. Goodness, in the Christian sense, is not merely kindness when it’s easy-it’s love in action even when it’s costly.
This is a calling to reflect God’s character through our actions, no matter how others treat us.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses contrast to deliver a powerful message. First, Paul tells us what not to do: “don’t pay back wrong for wrong.” Then he shifts to the positive: “strive to do what is good.” This contrast helps underline the choice every believer faces in the moment of conflict: retaliate, or respond with grace.
The phrase “make sure” implies responsibility-it’s not optional. This isn’t a private suggestion but a communal expectation. The whole church is to guard against revenge and to pursue goodness actively and intentionally.
And by using “always” and “for everyone,” Paul widens the scope-this is a lifestyle, not a one-time act.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 12:17–21 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Matthew 5:38–45 – Jesus teaches to turn the other cheek, love enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
- Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
- 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”
- Galatians 6:10 – “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse speaks directly to everyday life. Whether it’s in your family, your church, your workplace, or online, there are always opportunities to either repay hurt with hurt or to respond with grace. This verse reminds us that we’re not called to get even-we’re called to do good.
That doesn’t mean we ignore wrongdoing. It means we trust God with justice and respond in a way that points people to Him. Our actions should stand out in a world where anger and revenge are common.
It’s also a reminder to pursue peace, not just avoid conflict. Doing good requires effort. It means forgiving offenses, helping those in need, speaking kind words, and living with integrity.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is patient and merciful. He didn’t repay our sin with punishment right away-He sent His Son to take our place. His way is not to destroy, but to redeem. When we choose to do good instead of evil, we’re walking in His ways.
This verse reflects God’s heart-a heart that’s slow to anger, rich in love, and full of compassion. He calls us to be agents of His love in a world that desperately needs it.
God knows that bitterness and revenge only bring more harm. In His love, He calls us to a better way-a way that brings healing, hope, and peace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus lived out this verse perfectly. He was wronged, insulted, beaten, betrayed, and crucified-yet He never sought revenge. On the cross, He prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
In 1 Peter 2:23, it says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate… Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Jesus not only taught us to love our enemies-He showed us how. Because He gave us grace when we didn’t deserve it, we can extend grace to others.
He is our model, our strength, and our reason for choosing good over evil.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When someone wrongs you, what’s your first instinct-to repay or to respond with grace?
- Can you think of a time when you chose to do good instead of getting even? What happened?
- Are there people in your life right now who are hard to do good to? Why?
- How does trusting God with justice help you let go of revenge?
- What are some specific ways you can “strive to do what is good” this week?