See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Paul, one of the earliest Christian missionaries, wrote this letter to a young church community in the city of Thessalonica — a major city in modern-day Greece — around 50 AD. He is giving them practical, street-level advice on how to live as followers of Jesus among neighbors, coworkers, and one another. This verse is a direct challenge to one of the most deeply human instincts: the urge to get even. Paul is not just saying avoid revenge — he is saying actively pursue kindness, and not only toward fellow believers but toward everyone. The word "always" makes this one of the most demanding commands in the whole letter.
Lord, you already know the scoreboards I keep. You know the names on them. Teach me to lay them down — not because what was done was okay, but because you ask it of me. Give me the will to pursue kindness today, especially where it costs me something real. Amen.
Most of us don't think of ourselves as vengeful people. We're not plotting schemes or dreaming of elaborate payback. We just go quiet. We stop helping. We let the email sit unanswered a little longer than necessary. We mention their name in a certain tone. The scoreboard we keep in our heads is subtle and socially acceptable — but Paul names it anyway, and he doesn't let us off on a technicality. The hardest word in this verse is "always." Not when they apologize first. Not after enough time has passed. Not on the days you feel spiritually generous. Always means the coworker who threw you under the bus last Thursday still gets your kindness on Friday. That's not weakness — it's one of the more demanding things the Christian life asks of us. It reshapes the person you're becoming, one small choice at a time. Who in your life are you currently withholding from — and what would one concrete act of grace look like before the week is out?
What does "paying back wrong for wrong" look like in everyday life — does it include things like cold shoulders, withholding help, or gossip, or only more obvious acts of revenge?
Think of a time you chose kindness over retaliation. What made that possible in that moment, and what did it cost you?
Is there a meaningful difference between pursuing justice and seeking revenge? Where is that line, and how do you know when you have crossed it?
How does a community or family where people actively pursue kindness — rather than just avoid conflict — feel different from one where people are simply keeping the peace?
Who is one specific person in your life toward whom you have been withholding kindness, and what will your first step toward them look like this week?
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Luke 6:27
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Colossians 3:12
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Proverbs 20:22
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:39
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Romans 12:14
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.
AMP
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
ESV
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.
NASB
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
NIV
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
NKJV
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
NLT
And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
MSG