Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Today God challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to do four things as brothers and sisters in Christ. First, God tells us to “admonish the unruly.” God makes it clear that we are to lovingly discipline our brothers and sisters in Christ who are undisciplined, unruly, or disorderly. Anytime we have to rebuke another believer, it is NEVER easy. But, if we genuinely love each other, as followers of Christ, then we will lovingly rebuke those who are out of line. We are to admonish others through an attitude of gentleness and grace (Galatians 6:1-2). Also, we must never rebuke another believer without examining ourselves first, so we honor our Lord and give His grace through the rebuke. Second, God tells us to “encourage the fainthearted.” Every believer goes through hard times, so when someone is struggling God tells us to be the one to encourage them. Third, God tells us to help the weak. Weakness can be due to being a new believer. A new believer may be immature in their walk with our Lord, so we need to help them overcome the weak areas in their spiritual life. Weakness can also come when a believer has served well and needs a time of being refreshed. When a believer needs refreshment, we can pray with them, pray for them daily, and send them Scriptures to help nourish them. Last, God tells us to “be patient with everyone.” When others are patient with us, we love it, but often we are slow to be patient; that is why God tells us we are to be patient with everyone.
Challenge & Application
1. What did you learn from the four commands God gave you today?
2. How will you put these commands into practice today and this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!