The bible quote for 2025

We long for the good. We long to find the good, to do the good, to preserve the good. We want to avoid the bad. We don't want to get involved with the bad. We do not want to support evil. In this desire and endeavour we are in harmony with the apostle's word. We agree with him, we nod in agreement, but the distinction between good and evil is not so simple. What lies behind the call to ‘test’? How much effort, time, consideration, dialogue? Especially at a time when there are so many hasty judgements. Strong opinions. Speeches by influential personalities, but where it is not certain whether their judgement deserves our trust.

And there is an abundance of new things, topics and ideas that demand our attention at this time. Do we really need to test ‘everything’? I think so, because there is no escape from responsibility.

Moreover, we can conclude from the context of the apostle's letter that we must not only test the phenomena that come from outside, but also ourselves, our faith community, our lives and our witness. What we are afraid of can be the flame of the Spirit. And what we think is not good enough can be a prophetic gift. (1 Thess 5:19-20)

How can we orientate ourselves? What will help us in our trial? The apostle frames his call to test things and seek what is good with reference to the day of the Lord. The criterion for good and evil is the story of Jesus and his word. What Jesus does and says, who he accepts, who he is close to and what he rejects, can also be a help to us in examining and discerning good and evil. So let us listen attentively to the gospel of Christ this year.

May God's blessing accompany us: May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thess 5:23-24)

Photo: Vojtěch Zikmund