Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (New Living Translation)

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

“God needs someone to give that guy just what he deserves, and I’m just the person to do it.”

Isn’t that silly? Yet, we try to live it — often. ooops, look here in black and white, a prohibition on that silly and oft-acted behavior. Instead, God wants us to do good to each other. Okay, I can manage that.

But another 0000ps, how did those last four words get into the text? Does God really want me to do good to all people. I mean, what about…yes, him, too, but what about…yes, that one, too..but surely not…yes, even him, and can’t I leave out…no, he is included in all.

I think I will need some help with this one, and God is just the one to provide it. Thanks, God.