Dale Ridge church of Christ

       In 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18, Paul mentions some instructions that enable us to lead a good Christian life and have a good relationship with God as well as our fellow man.  Let’s take a look at these verse by verse:

v. 14 – Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

We are to try to help those who suffer from a variety of difficulties and are to show patience towards all men.  In a sense, we truly are our “brother’s keeper.”  We are to watch out for those who cannot or will not watch out for themselves.

v. 15 – See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

One has often heard the expression “two wrongs don’t make a right.”  We are not to seek revenge on or treat another person cruelly, because he or she has done evil to us.  We are to do good unto our fellow Christians as well as to all mankind.

v. 16 – Rejoice evermore.

Regardless of our circumstances in life, we are to rejoice.  We can always rejoice in the fact that God made us and that we are created in His image.

v. 17 – Pray without ceasing.

We are to pray as much as possible.  We are to pray to God in times of thankfulness as well as in times of need.  Prayer is the way that we communicate with God, so let us always seek to talk with Him often.

v. 18 – In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God concerning Christ Jesus concerning you.

         We are to give thanks always for everything in our lives.  Even in times of trouble, we can find something for which to be thankful, and oftentimes, we find that we grow spiritually from those trying periods. 

         We find that the things that Paul mentions in these verses are God’s will for us to do.  Let us always strive to put these concepts into practice in our lives. 

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on February 23rd, 2009