"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)
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessaloniki to encourage them to follow the will of God. He urged them to warn and admonish those who walk disorderly; to encourage those who were timid, cowardly, and fearful; to help the weak bear their burdens and infirmities; and to be patient, tolerant, and forbear all men, both good and evil. They were to do good, and they were not to repay the wrong to those who had wronged them. They were to be positive and count all that happened to them as joy. They were told to pray, to pray often, and to pray about everything, and to give God thanks for everything.
These verses represent what could be considered guidelines for good Christian behavior. They summarize how we ought to act towards one another, and towards the unsaved in the world. We are to help spread The Word of God. (Matthew 28:19-20) The strong among us are the help bear the infirmities of the weak. (Romans 15:1) We are to be kind, patient, and long-suffering with others. (Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:2, and Colossians 3:12) We are to let The Lord get the revenge on those who do us wrong. (Romans 12:19) We are to love one another. (John 13:34-35) We are to count everything as joy. (James 1:2-3) We ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1 and 21:36) We are to be thankful to God for all things. (2 Corinthians 9:11)
No comments:
Post a Comment