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1 Thessalonians 5:15
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Bible Study Notebook
15 See [horao] that none [me] [tis] render [apodidomi] evil [kakos] for [anti] evil [kakos] unto any [tis] man; but [alla] ever [pantote] follow [dioko] that which [ho] is good, [agathos] both [kai] among [eis] yourselves, [allelon] and [kai] to [eis] all [pas] men. KJV-Interlinear
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men. NASB
Distinguish the meaning of evil here. Evil is anything that not aligned with the principles taught in the scriptures.
Good includes due process, the legal court system, the arrest and conviction and sentencing of someone for crimes. This system is not an application of returning evil for evil.
War, likewise, when there is a clear distinction between good defending itself against evil. War is also a due process, only on a much greater scale, for the purpose of defending freedom and such.
Political debate, athletic competition, and such things, when there is no deceit or unfair play, are all applications of good.
Evil for evil is generally referring to a social or business setting, whereby a person attempts to defraud someone else, or where social or published gossip, or maligning or revenge take root in the thinking and motivation of a person.
You can see a lot of this type of behavior on the internet, these days, as it is very easy to transmit jokes or propaganda, or even bad publicity about someone, with no real good intention, only ill intent, behind the communication.
It takes greater self discipline in ones self, to avoid things, that can come easy, like this.
One on one social interaction, can easily lead to campaigns or crusades of harassment and harm against others.
You cannot advance or promote yourself, or even gain any advantage in life, when you have to accomplish it by means of evil. When you sow evil, you will only harvest evil back to yourself. And just like weeds in a good field, when you keep on sowing evil, you eventually destroy the field (meaning that you destroy yourself).
It is not your place to judge others socially, even if your evaluation of them is correct.
You are herein commanded to treat others with respect, tolerance, and poise. Whether you like them or not, whether they are jerks or not, are all irrelevant.
