Reading Through The New Testament - September 10th, 2016 - 1 Thessalonians 5

’ll be back… and I am back! - Michael Scott.

Justin here and I’m back! I will be continuing our journey through the New Testament. Today is 1 Thessalonians 5.

I needed to read this today:

Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. - 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 (MSG)

All these months of reading through the New Testament I have realized many things, and here is one:

It’s never ok to become critical, judgmental, and to put others down — especially those that are walking along side you in the faith.

The temptation for me is to criticize, to secretly start resenting and to gossip.

Someone freeloading while you’re doing all the work?

Don’t gossip, put down or become resentful. Invite them to get involved. Show them how. Ask them what they love to do. Get them to work. Better than cursing them in your head.

People struggling? Our temptation will be to just tell them to get their act together and buck up. Everyone has problems.

right?

nope. Encourage them. Tell them something you love about them. Help lift their spirits.

Come across someone that’s exhausted and think: yeah well, we’re all exhausted, but I can still seem to function.

Try this: reach out. Talk. Serve. Be kind.

In every interaction look for the best in each other. After all, isn’t that how you want to be treated?

I’m tired of giving in to the temptation to be resentful and critical. I want to be that person that Paul is describing, don’t you?