2 Thessalonians 1 : For That Kingdom

verse 5: This is a sign of God's righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.

◇ Paul knew better than anyone about the sufferings experienced by Christians. He was well aware of the hostility from his fellow Jews, the ridicule and contempt from those who worshiped other gods, and the ostracism they faced. Paul was once a person who had been consumed by hostility towards Christians and had done his utmost to persecute them. After his conversion, he became a preacher who proclaimed the name of Jesus and suffered all kinds of hardships from both Jews and those who served foreign gods.

Who could have suffered more for the name of Jesus than Paul? Knowing better than anyone, Paul's advice to the Thessalonian believers, who were suffering from all kinds of hardships, is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:15: "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone."

It means not to repay evil with evil, but rather to repay it with good. It's easy to say, but we know how difficult it is to put it into action. Does Paul not know this fact? Having been sued, beaten, and imprisoned, would he not know what it means to repay evil with good?

Nevertheless, Paul says not to repay evil with evil, but to repay it with good. He prayed and sang praises while being beaten and imprisoned. Instead of being filled with resentment and anger, he prayed and sang praises. Then the prison doors opened, and the jailers repented.

Jesus promised, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:10).

◇ Lord, help us to look forward to the Father's kingdom with hope and repay evil with good! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!