Day 38: ALWAYS Give Thanks!
14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 are not easy ones are they? In this one verse Paul gives us FOUR commands: 1) warn those who are lazy; 2) encourage those who are timid; 3) Take tender care of those who are weak; and 4) be patient with everyone. As we go about our days as followers of Jesus, we cannot ignore those who are struggling in their walk with Jesus, or just struggling with life in general. Laziness is not to be tolerated among believers. In fact, as followers of Jesus, we are reminded that the harvest is ready, and we must go out daily into that harvest and work. The “harvest” is, of course, people—people for whom Jesus died. We must go out near and far and share his Good News, and do it diligently. Sometimes that means nothing more or less than working hard at our daily tasks whether they may be in the workaday world or as students, or as parents who invest their days chiefly with our children.
Paul tells us to encourage those who are timid. It seems that more and more of us who follow Jesus ARE timid. We’re afraid to speak up for Jesus, because we may be offensive to others, or be rejected by them. Paul tells us we need to encourage one another through that timidity. When we do that, and pray for the boldness of the Holy Spirit to come, we will gain the courage necessary to speak and live for Jesus. The ultimate result of that will be true gratitude in the lives of those around us!
Caring for the weak is a task that shows our compassion. Compassion is one of the primary traits of Jesus, and when we show it to others they see Jesus, too!
Being patient with EVERYONE may just be the toughest command on the list. To do it we’ll need to call on the Holy Spirit and let the fruit of the Spirit, which includes patience reign in us!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
Which of Paul’s commands in today’s Scripture is the biggest challenge for you? Take some time to ask God to give you a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit to live it and all these commands in your life today!
Pray for anyone who comes to mind, who is lazy, timid weak, or requires extra patience.
Remember: if you can maintain and attitude of gratitude in these situations, then the Holy Spirit is really working in you!