1 Thessalonians 5:15 Forgiveness

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. [1 Thessalonians 5:15 NASB]

As part of the Lord's prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." [Matthew 6:12 NASB]

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian experience. None of us - not one - would be a Christian if God hadn't forgiven our sins. Our appropriate response to this is to forgive others.

Jesus told the parable of a servant who owed 15 years wages to his master. His master forgave the debt. the servant then went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a single day's wages. When the fellow servant couldn't repay him, he had him thrown in jail. Jesus concluded the parable, saying;

“Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” [Matthew 18:32-35 NASB]

 Paul, quoting Proverbs 25 appeals to our baser nature by saying;

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [Romans 12:17-21 NASB]

Don't be content to simply refrain from getting vengeance when you feel wronged. Instead, actively do good to the wrongdoer. 

Paul says that we should do good for all people. This means we don't just do good for our friends, or the people in the church, or even the Christian community at large. He means everyone.

The Pharisees in Jesus' time took the command to love their neighbors, and twisted it. They interpreted it to mean that they should hate their enemies. Who were their enemies? Primarily, all Gentiles, and ultimately, anyone who disagreed with them. But Jesus said;

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [Matthew 5:43-45 NASB]

By doing good to those who oppose you, you may win them over. But, whether you do or not is irrelevant. The important thing is that you are obeying the Spirit of God by forgiving them from your heart, and demonstrating that forgiveness by acts of kindness.

Lord, please give me the same mind that was in Jesus who did not seek vengeance on His persecutors, but died for their sins, as well as mine.