"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 everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 & 21-22 (NIV)
This is how we ought to treat and help each other, and how we ought to behave. This is a brief summary of good Christian behavior. We should have, and display, a positive attitude of gratitude, frequently praying and giving God thanks. Whatever we are going through is part of God's permissive will for us.
"Test everything." This is a call to carefully, and prayerfully, examine what we hear and read, and to make sure that it is "biblically correct". Hold on to and keep that which is consistent with The Word of God and reject that which is "unbiblical". Avoid all evil, including that which appears evil. "Abstain from all appearance of evil." 5:22 (KJV)
Our true character is revealed not only by what we do when others are watching, but also by what we do and think when we are alone. God sees all.
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