12 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. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
There are people in our churches that work behind the scenes every Sunday and all during the week that make a service run smooth. Seek them out and thank them. Remember the person who cleans the toilet is just as important to a Sunday worship as the pastor.
Our leaders also at times need to call us to task. We screw up and step outside of scripture and these leaders, in love, have to correct our actions. These men are doing the work of God. I'd rather clean the toilet. Respect these leaders and don't get bitter when they have to tell you, you're wrong.
14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Look around. You are not the only one in church. See what needs to be done. Some sit on their butt and only need a nudge to get working. Some are disruptive and I have found that putting them to work gives them the attention they crave. Some need us to come along side and encourage them.
Get your head up and LOOK.
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Encourage forgiveness. It's so easy to plot revenge.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
How does one rejoice always? Pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. When I am grateful and keep in contact with God, my attitude is much better than when I don't. Rejoicing comes easy when I walk in the Spirit.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
When you receive conviction or instruction that you know is from God, do it. Do not let it go.
20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
Someone claims to have a word from God, test it.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
It is God who sanctifies us, God who keeps us and God who is faithful. It's not about us. It's about God.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Take a moment right now and pray for you pastors and elders and deacons.
26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.
Loved this verse as a teen. Lot's of "holy" kissing greetings going on.
27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.In this time most people could not read so this letter would be read aloud. Today we can share God's word as most of our society can read.
May the grace or our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
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