Didomi #99

Due to a busy Christmas schedule, I am reposting a previous post from 1 Thessaolonians. May His Word continue to bless, encourage, and challenge you in your daily walk with Him.

More Encouragement for Today- Part Two

Yesterday we began looking at 1 Thessalonians 5. In this chapter we found an incredible practical list of things we can do as believers to encourage each other and at the same time, encourage our growth as well. Let’s continue with that close look at Paul’s advice to the believers in Thessalonica.

5:14 Choose to purposefully help people who struggle.
• Warn those who are lazy. Laziness is a destructive way to live. “Warn” can refer to simply saying, “I’ll help you, let’s get going on something productive.”
• Encourage people who are timid. People who are timid are often filled with fear and doubt. Talk about who they are in Christ and walk with them though their trials and opportunities. God can do great things!
• Help the weak. We can be weak spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Support those who are weak. Walk with them through their trials. God has placed you in their lives to bless them.
• Be patient. Is there someone who just exasperates you with annoying ways? Be patient and think about a long-term plan. How can you bless this person and help them become what God wants them to become?

5:15-23 These verses list many different commands to help us encourage others.
• Revenge is out of bounds for us.
• Joyfulness is contagious and healing, choose joy!
• Prayer is the key to changing lives.
• Give thanks, even in difficult circumstances, changes everyone.
• Cooperate with the Spirit’s work in your life, don’t resist.
• Be open to God’s word when you hear it being spoken to you.
• Stay away from evil for your sake and the sake of others.
• Live every day with the faith that God is going to keep His promises to you.

This is a long list of ways that we can encourage others in the Lord and build our own spiritual lives at the same time. Jesus came to minister to others. We are to have the mind of Christ as we live and relate daily. Today, don’t think about what others can do for you, purposefully seek to bless others. The rewards will be great and sweet.

Life can be a challenge as we face disappointments and trials. If you are like me, there are some things in life that you never imagined that you’d have to face. Stress, frustrations, regrets, and failures can have a way at turning us inward to where we are preoccupied with ourselves. However, this self-orientation is destructive emotionally and spiritually. Would you like to change things in your life? Take 1 Thessalonians 5 seriously! Make Christ and ministering to others the song that you sing and focus of your thoughts daily. Others will be blessed but you will be helped the most.