Bible Reading: 2 Chron. 22; 1 Thes. 5:15-28.
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” 1 -Thessalonians 5:15 KJV
In my final year in the University, I had to take a course that had no calculation in it and I was was not good in such subjects. However because I knew of my limitation, I decided to devote more time to the course. During the course, the lecturer gave us one assignment and I went all out to do it. By the time he came back, he adjudged my assignment the best in the class. This spurred me and helped me in my examination such that I made excellent grade in the subject.
That showed me that as the bible has said, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
So we can truly conform to the image of Christ if we determine to do so. However, such determination should be based on knowledge. The question then is how do we conform to Christ’s image? This is well laid out for us in our bible passage today in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22.
Like we stated yesterday, one of the key ways of conforming to Christ is not to quench the Holy Spirit within us. (vs 19).
Other things we need to do are: 1. not to repay evil with evil but to be good to everyone both Christians and non-Christians (vs 15). This will show that we love other people following the example of our Lord and Saviour.
2. We are enjoined to rejoice for evermore (vs 16). Joy is from within and does not depend on events or happenings. Our joy should be based on our relationship with God and trust in Him that all things will work well for us.
3. To keep our joy, we have to pray continually to God (vs 17) showing that we are dependent on him.
4. We are to give thanks to God at all times (vs 18); for what he has done and what he will do. With such thanks, we will perpetually be in his presence. Psalm 100:4 (KJV) says ”Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
5. Do not despise prophecies (vs 20). Despising a man is despising God in whose image everyman is made. (1 Thess. 4:8). The bible further says that a key to prosperity is believing the prophets. (2 Chron. 20:20.).
6. However do not just believe everything that is said to you. (vs 21), but prove them and hold only to the truth.
7. Finally, abstain from everything that appears evil no matter the source.
In summary we need to love all like Jesus if we want to conform to his image.. This is succinctly stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:15 KJV “See that none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Prayer: Father, help me to show the love of Christ to everyone around me.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero