Don’t Take Advantage

“This is the will of God…abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust…no one should take advantage of…his brother in this matter.”—1 Thessalonians 4:3–6

In the world, we see people trying to take advantage of others every day. We may even see Christians taking advantage of others—even fellow Christians.

If we think like people in the world, we can find ourselves adopting this attitude and feeling justified in being willing to cut corners or be deceptive, looking for ways to get ahead by taking advantage.

We can feel that without this technique and attitude, we will be defenseless, trampled by the onslaught of others taking advantage of us. But Paul wrote that “no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter.”

Paul used a word that suggests being covetous, seeking to gain more or get an advantage. But the Bible tells us that we must not take advantage of any believers. We must not be covetous or put others down in any way.

Though others may try to take advantage of us, our goal always should be to live according to the principles in the Bible. Take up your cross daily and follow Jesus. Seek first God’s Kingdom. Be sure that He is pleased with your choices, actions, and lifestyle.

We can be sure God will right every wrong and look out for those who have been taken advantage of.

Ask God to help you learn not to take advantage of others, no matter what they have done to you.

Reflection Question: How can you help those whom others may take advantage of?