1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
It is hard to live in peace when the world around us is nothing but chaos. There is strife on every hand and even within the church of Jesus Christ there are factions that war against each other. If you have ever been in a conflict situation with other Christians you know that it seems like a no-win situation.
Years ago I heard the story of a pastor who had an obstinate member of his congregation brother XXX, who was a constant source of conflict. He prayed fervently for the Lord to help. One of the pillars of the church approached the pastor and said that he had been praying for the Lord to do what only He could do.
It was a few weeks later during a mid-week prayer service that this prayer warrior was called on to pray. He had prayed for old brother XXX so frequently in his private prayers that he forgot where he was. “Lord, you know how much trouble old brother XXX has been causing. Lord please sweeten him up or take him home to heaven.” He forgot that brother XXX was sitting right behind him. Suddenly brother XXX shouted out; “I ain’t going!” How sad!
Paul informs the Thessalonians on the steps peace: (1) “Live in peace with each other.” (2) “Warn those who are idle and disruptive.” (3) “Encourage the disheartened.” (4) “Help the weak.” (5) “Be patient with everyone.” Five easy steps, why do we make it so hard?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil