1 Thessalonians 5:15

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man, etc.] Not an ill word for an ill word, railing for railing, nor an ill action for an ill action; no, not to any man whatever, not to an enemy, a persecutor, a profane person, as well as not to a brother, a believer in Christ; and this the saints should not only be careful of, and guard against in themselves, but should watch over one another, and see to it, that no such practice is found in each other. But ever follow that which is good; honestly, morally, pleasantly, and profitably good; even every good work, which is according to the will of God, is done in faith, from love, and to the glory of God; and particularly acts of beneficence and…”

“(Rom 12:17; Pe1 3:9.) unto any man--whether unto a Christian, or a heathen, however great the provocation. follow--as a matter of earnest pursuit.”

“See that none render evil for evil - See the notes on Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance; compare notes on Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19. This law is positive, and is universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to “return evil for evil,” that moment we are acting wrong. It may be right to defend our lives and the lives of our friends; to seek the protection of the law for our persons, reputation, or property, against those who would wrong us; to repel the assaults of calumniators and slanderers, but in no case should the motive be to do them wrong for the evil which they have done us. But ever follow that which is good -…”

“See that none - Watch over both yourselves and each other. Follow that which is good - Do it resolutely and perseveringly. 1 Thessalonians 5:16”

“5:15 Jesus and the apostles warned against retaliation (Matt 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36; Rom 12:17-21; 1 Pet 3:9). The Roman author Seneca, by contrast, considered revenge legitimate and necessary as a way of restoring social honor lost because of ill treatment from others. Paul calls Christians to do good—both to members of the church (each other) and to those outside the Christian community (to all people), including their persecutors (1 Thes 2:14; see 3:12; Gal 6:10).”

“See: Gen 45:24; Co1 16:10; Eph 5:15, Eph 5:33; Pe1 1:22; Rev 19:10, Rev 22:9 none: Exo 23:4, Exo 23:5; Lev 19:18; Sa1 24:13; Psa 7:4; Pro 17:13, Pro 20:22, Pro 24:17, Pro 24:29; Pro 25:21; Mat 5:39, Mat 5:44, Mat 5:45; Luk 6:35; Rom 12:17-21; Co1 6:7; Pe1 2:22, Pe1 2:23, Pe1 3:9 ever: Th1 2:12; Deu 16:20; Psa 38:20; Rom 14:19; Co1 14:1; Ti1 6:11; Heb 12:14; Pe1 3:11-13; Jo3 1:11 and: Rom 12:17, Rom 12:18; Gal 6:10; Ti2 2:24; Tit 3:2; Pe1 2:17 1 Thessalonians 5:16”