1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

[14] Now  we exhort  brethren,  warn  them that are unruly,  comfort  the feebleminded,  support  the weak,  be patient  toward  all  [15] See  that none  render  evil  for  evil  unto any  man; but  ever  follow  that which  is good,  both  among  yourselves,  and  to  all 

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul now gave stronger commands (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:12). Not only the leaders but all the believers were responsible to minister to one another. Those who neglected their daily duties needed stirring up to action. Those who were timid or tended to become discouraged and despondent more easily than most needed cheering up, stimulation to press on, and extra help. Those who had not yet learned to lean on the Lord for their needs as they should were worthy of special support. Above all, the Thessalonians were to be patient with one another and with all people. They were not to retaliate but to do positive good to all others (cf. Proverbs 25:21; Matthew 5:38-42; Matthew 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:19-23; 1 Peter 3:9).
"Nonretaliation for personal wrongs is perhaps the best evidence of personal Christian maturity." [1]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 focuses on those who are hurting, and 1 Thessalonians 5:15 on those who hurt others.