July 14
“We exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil,” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22.
The apostle Paul concludes his First Epistle to the Thessalonians with a lengthy exhortation. It contains both words of warning and words of comfort. He begins with the words, “Warn those who are unruly.” As Christians, we must gently warn those who cause all kinds of division and dissension within the Christian congregation. Those who are unruly do not contribute anything to peace and harmony among the brethren.
“Comfort the fainthearted.” Whenever fellow Christians are troubled with sorrow, grief, hurt, and heartache, we should be there to encourage and comfort them. We should lift them up with words of love and hope based upon the many gracious promises of the one true God.
“Uphold the weak.” Those who are weak in the faith need to have an arm placed around them as faith-strengthening words are spoken to assure them of the forgiveness of sins gained for all by the precious blood of Christ shed on Calvary’s cross. Assure them that Jesus, who suffered and died to redeem us, also rose from the grave and conquered death and the devil.
“Be patient with all.” In all of our efforts in admonishing and comforting others, we should be exceedingly patient and understanding in what we say and what we do. Patience in dealing with our fellow sinners is a great virtue.
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” Avoid trying to get even with those who harm you. Do not render evil for evil, but rather show love and a willingness to forgive those who sin against us. Try to do what is good for you and also for others. Love your neighbor as yourself.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” Rejoice, pray, and give thanks! Rejoice in your salvation. Pray for and with one another. Thank God for all the blessings bestowed upon us for both body and soul.
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks through the Word of God. Carefully read, study, and search everything that is recorded in God’s Word for strengthening our faith. Test things to be sure of the truth. Continue in the truth and avoid every form of evil.
Heeding both the words of warning and the words of comfort will result in bringing blessings from our gracious God for both this life and the life that is to come. Continue in the faith and give all glory to God in Jesus’ name.
“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
‘Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.” Amen.