Hope That Pursues Good - 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

God designed us first to be in relationship with Him and made a path for us through the cross of Christ. This union with God opens the door to individual fellowship with God and corporate fellowship with one another. The dynamics of this fellowship are communicated in First Thessalonians 5:11-15. This Sunday, we’ll consider verse 15 and learn the negative prohibition that we are not to return evil for evil and the position promotion of doing good. God commands us to be aware of our tendency of returning wrong for wrong. All personal revenge and retaliation are forbidden as followers of Jesus. Verse 15 also teaches the positive promotion of good. This is what we are to pursue and chase after. This is what is good and acceptable before the Lord. The emphasis of good is upon our actions. These two commands are inclusive of everyone. This includes believers and unbelievers. This response of obedience by the child of God helps maintain and preserve our fellowship together.