(3/6/18)

*Karyn tells a story about a stolen package*

Injustices occur around us all the time. We get wronged, and sometimes we wrong others. When you see someone being hurt, or someone hurts you, how does it make you feel?

A lot of movies base the entire plot around revenge. Some of our favorite action heroes don’t just seek justice, they want payback- why do you think that is?

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Parts of this passage are hard to take in. The first half isn’t too difficult for me, but the second part can be a struggle at times.

Maybe you don’t struggle with the things I struggle with, maybe you don’t feel the drive to seek out payment for wrongdoing, maybe you have a hard time encouraging others, or complimenting people. Maybe you like to talk about the things you do well to overshadow others’ successes. Whatever your struggle or strength may be- we are called to do what is right according to GOD, not us. And he loves all- even the ones we think are jerks.

Small groups

Read the passage again.

What areas of this scripture come easily for you?

What areas are a struggle?

When is it hardest for you to want to do good and not seek revenge?

What do you do to:

Warn the idle?

warn the disruptive?

encourage the disheartened?

help the weak?

What can you do to better strive to do good for each other and everyone else?

-Karyn