“Now
we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted,
uphold the weak, be patient with all.” 1
Thessalonians 5:14
If I were to rewrite Paul’s exhortation
to the Thessalonican church I would say: that I was strongly urging you all to
advise those among you who have difficulty with self control to live lives that
are exemplary of followers of Christ, using scripture as their manual for
living. Next I urge the brethren to show
compassion and comfort for those who are timid or fearful, those who lack
courage. Then I would tell the brethren to support those who lack a firmness of
character and likely fail under the stresses of life. Lastly, I would tell them to be patient with
all those you encounter, overlooking their weaknesses, flaws and failings.
We all have them, however, it is so
much easier to see the flaws and failings in others than to recognize our
own. Encourage those among you even as
God encourages you. Build them up in
their spirit through biblical advice, prayer and fellowship. Not everyone is where you are in his or her
spiritual growth. I’ve walked with the
Lord for a little over 36 years and I am still learning lessons. The learning should never end.
In this day and age when church
unity is so critically important, we must turn to God’s Word. God knows all things and knows each one of us
intimately. We are unable to make
important spiritual decisions because of our judgmental nature and lack of discernment. We judge folks by their outward appearance
and find it nearly impossible to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Our spirit man is dehydrated. We haven’t been drinking from the Living
Water that is God’s Word. Spiritual
growth doesn’t happen through osmosis.
They must be cultivated like garden. Spending time in fellowship with
Almighty God and in His Word is necessary if we’re going to become more like
Christ in our daily life.
Heed Paul’s words and seek direction
from God’s Spirit. These are some of the
things that set us apart from the world.
Until Christ returns, walk with the King and be a blessing!
Resource: The American Heritage Dictionary of the
English Language.
