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2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 (verse 6-10)
The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV), “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. Therefore
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of
Fire on his head’ (Proverbs 25:21-22).
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 the Apostle Paul is explaining the vengeance of God as it is His position as our Lord and Savior to pronounce judgment.
This is a command to leave judgment to God.
This is a promise that God will judge all and reward accordingly: good for good, and bad for bad.
When we judge others, we are desiring to put them in everlasting condemnation; a right that we do not have, nor do we understand the reality of what we are truly doing. I believe that if we truly knew what living in hell for eternity was like, we would never, never, never pronounce it upon anyone. We were all made in the image of God and are sought by Him to redemption. That does not mean that everyone will be redeemed as some people will harden their hearts to God in refusal to open their hearts to Him.
We are to love one another as Jesus has first loved us (John 13:34-35) and strive to be a reflection of Him to everyone – that includes our enemies. God is Judge, and He alone will judge the righteous and the unrighteous (John 5:24-30, Revelation 20:11-15).
Dear LORD,
Please plant within each of us a heart of compassion to love one another and do our part in being Your examples of Jesus in the world today as He lives within us and leads us to follow in His footsteps. Please help us to realize and understand the depths of passing judgment on others so that we would instead be Your arms reaching out to help others as You have first helped and loved us. In Jesus name I pray, amen.