Patient Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11-18

Encourage the timid, warn those who are idle, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thess. 5:14)

 

DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT to be sympathetic toward those who are different from you? If you see yourself as a person who is outgoing, bold, and quick to act, are you also willing to be patient with people like those Paul describes herethose who are idle, timid, or weak? It is usually easier to take pride in our own abilities and look down upon those who are not as visibly confident or strong in their faith.

 

Paul urges us to encourage one another and build each other up. This may mean supporting the shy woman in your Bible study who doesn't speak up often because she lacks the confidence to believe that her thoughts could matter to others. Or it could mean patiently encouraging the one in your circle who continues to struggle with anger, greed, or self-control. If you see that fellow believers are not using their gifts to serve the Lord, point out to them the great service opportunities that would suit their abilities.

 

Those who are strong in the Lord have a responsibility both to honor God with their faith and to encourage those who are less faithful in using their gifts. The church is one body, and each believer has a place in it.

 

Dottie Hutcherson

 

Encourage a friend, recognizing their giftedness.