This verse is part of a short list of instructions from Paul to the believers in Thessalonica about how to get along as part of a group. As we all know it isn’t easy! Even among people who are trying hard to be like Jesus and to love each other, it is very hard to get along. For proof of that, just think about how many different churches their are. There can be dozens even in one small town. We really should only have one church where all followers of Jesus are members. But that’s very far from reality. My parents who spent their entire marriage in one church suddenly decided to leave that church and join a different one simply because of the church’s policy on wearing masks during a pandemic. As a flawed human, I find it really difficult to get along with other flawed humans. And that is exactly why Paul wrote today’s verse. His advice will go a long way toward easing tensions if I take it to heart. If someone is mean to me, human nature urges me to be mean back. Or at least to ignore them or avoid them. But Paul suggests trying a different approach. He tells me to ignore that urge and instead to “pursue what is good for each other and for all.” Pursue is a very active, aggressive word. I don’t just wish it; I actively work hard at making sure good things happen. For who? For the specific people who hurt me or who I disagree with, yes, but also for all the people in the group. My own needs, desires, and preferences belong at the bottom of the priority pile. If I am always thinking and praying about what is best for everyone else in the group and actively working toward making that happen while putting aside my own interests, I think our churches might be less fragmented and more effective at loving the world. Especially if all the members have this same attitude, like Paul is urging in today’s verse.
Dear God,
Thank you for your church. Thank you for Paul’s wise words to the churches of his time that struggled in similar ways to how churches still struggle today. Forgive me for my own pride and selfishness when it comes to group dynamics. Help me to put aside what I feel is right or fair for me in favor of what is good for others, while always being obedient to your word and will. Show me my attitudes that are selfish and wrong and guide me into ways of thinking and behaving that promote love and unity in my church instead.
CamDevo 