12/16/2025 – Goodness Prevails by the Will of God
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Reflection: The way God establishes goodness in His creation is by the manifestation of His will in His creation. He does not establish goodness through His commands alone. Simply following commands can lead to external obedience without internal commitment. God is not dictatorial. One of the greatest gifts God has given us is our free will- our ability to decide what goals we want to pursue in this life and how we want to live. But this gift comes with a much greater and valuable gift: the revelation of the will of God. He has gifted you with His will. He enables you to know and desire His will.
He has revealed His will for your life. It is not a secret. It is not a mystery. God’s will for you is that you always pursue what is good for you and for all. He wants you to do this even in the face of evil. When conditions are not ideal, and you are being hurt and attacked, you are to seek in the wisdom of God the words to say, the actions to take that will result in something good, not just for you, but for all.