"Now we exhort you brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:14-18
This verse is easier said then done. Starting with the very first command to warn those who are unruly. I don't know about you, but often times I find people talking ABOUT the unruly instead of talking TO the unruly. In all honesty, it really does no good to talk about someone, or something they are doing. Things will never change if we just grumbling about things but never take an active part in helping that person see their need for change. But, the first step to seeing things change is to pray and ask the Lord how He would have you respond to that person. We have to get God's heart on the matter before just running up to someone and telling them everything they are doing wrong. Most peolpe won't respond to that, but they might respond to someone coming to them with a humble heart, a heart that is looking out for their best interest, a heart like God's.
Comforting the fainthearted and upholding the weak is not quite as difficult. Most people have an inbuilt compassion for those who are struggling, those who have went through tradgedy, or those who are less fortunate. If you are struggling with compassion for these people, ask God to show you how He feels about them.
Patience is a whole new ball game. Some people are really easy to be patient with. Others, it's like pulling teeth, painful, a little messy and a gap is left between you. We have always heard "Pray for patience and you will be given the opportunity to test that patience". I think patience is one of those revolving tests. It's not like you pass it once and never have to face it again, but every so often you are given an opportunity to show that you still have mastered that biblical principle.
Regardless of our circumstances, we as believers always have a reason to rejoice in Christ. We have the hope of eternity with our Lord and Savior, but we also have the assurance that the Lord will accomplish His purpose here on earth and that all His promises to us are yes and amen in Christ (and there are A LOT of promises in the bible!). Praying should be an all day everyday occurance. Doesn't mean you have to be at the altar with your eyes closed and your lips flapping. It does mean that you are continually in communion with God. Whispering small prayers and thanks through out the day, asking for quick guidance when a circumstances arises, and thinking continually about the Lord.
And "in everything give thanks". Notice that is says "in" everything, not for everything. The Lord is not asking us to give thanks for bad things that might have happened. The heart of a believer should be thanksgiving "in" all things, to an eternal loving God whose heart is for His children. Not saying that it's easy, or really even that we understand how to give thanks in all things, but it should be something that we strive to understand and attempt to put into practice.
These verses were really convicting my heart. I pray that the Lord opens me up to be more patient, to love and comfort those in need, to pursue good for all people, and to give thanks in all situations.
Regardless of our circumstances, we as believers always have a reason to rejoice in Christ. We have the hope of eternity with our Lord and Savior, but we also have the assurance that the Lord will accomplish His purpose here on earth and that all His promises to us are yes and amen in Christ (and there are A LOT of promises in the bible!). Praying should be an all day everyday occurance. Doesn't mean you have to be at the altar with your eyes closed and your lips flapping. It does mean that you are continually in communion with God. Whispering small prayers and thanks through out the day, asking for quick guidance when a circumstances arises, and thinking continually about the Lord.
And "in everything give thanks". Notice that is says "in" everything, not for everything. The Lord is not asking us to give thanks for bad things that might have happened. The heart of a believer should be thanksgiving "in" all things, to an eternal loving God whose heart is for His children. Not saying that it's easy, or really even that we understand how to give thanks in all things, but it should be something that we strive to understand and attempt to put into practice.
These verses were really convicting my heart. I pray that the Lord opens me up to be more patient, to love and comfort those in need, to pursue good for all people, and to give thanks in all situations.
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