Today’s passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Helpful thoughts:
- Some people are idle because they are undisciplined; they need to be admonished. Some people are idle because they are fainthearted (Hurting); they need to be encouraged.
- Questions prick the conscience, accusations harden the heart.
- Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. – James 1:19
- Whether someone needs rebuke or encouragement, they all need patience.
- It is God’s will for your life to rejoice, to pray, and to be thankful.
- To read through this list of commands and try to thoroughly consider every one in one sitting would be overwhelming.
- Choose one that is particularly encouraging and convicting and consider that.
- Perhaps, later in the day, come back to this passage and look for another one.
Questions to consider:
- How do you know which pastors/leaders are over you? How do pastors know who to shepherd (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17)? Are you an active member of your local church? How would being an active member help you to grow and be involved in the disciplines and life of growth and encouragement in the body?
- What is worthy of your rejoicing today? What do you have that you can be praying for? What do you have to be thankful for?
- How might we be judgmental of people who don’t seem to be doing as much as we think they should? What should we learn before we make a statement or decision concerning them? Even if they are being lazy, or if they are hurting, what should we do about it instead of making negative statements about them to others?