Truly one of my favorite passages of Scripture is this exhortation from the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians.  There’s so much wisdom packed into these few verses…my oh my what a different world, what a different city, and even what different households we would live in if we just took these words seriously.  The God of Shalom is the God of Israel, the God of the Scriptures written about in Genesis all the way to Revelation.  He is merciful and kind and His ways are right!   

14 We urge you, brothers and sisters, correct the unruly, comfort the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.16 Rejoice always,17 pray constantly,18 in everything give thanks;for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua.19 Do not quench the Spirit,20 do not despise prophetic messages,21 but test all things, hold fast to what is good,22 keep away from every kind of evil.  23 Now may the God of shalom Himself make you completely holy; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept complete, blameless at the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 24 Faithful is the One who calls you—and He will make it happen!  ((1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 Tree of Life Version))