"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (NIV)
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in his letter to the believers in Thessaloniki. Paul was providing them with practical instructions for Christian living. He told them how they ought to walk and talk in order to please God. He said that they should comfort, encourage, help, and warn one another. He also said that whatever they were going through, they should be joyful because it was part of God's permissive will for them.
These words are as relevant for believers today as they were for those believers then. We need to be reminded that we are children of God (Galatians 3:26), and that we are in this world but not of it. (John 8:23) We are to behave in a Christ-like manner, and we are to help one another. We are even to love our enemies and haters (Matthew 5:44), and kill them with kindness. (Romans 12:20) Whatever our current situation, it is only a test and part of God's permissive will for us. (James 1:12) So, let us count all things as joyful. (James 1:2) Let us pray sincerely and frequently (James 5:16), and let us give thanks to God for everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
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