Be at Peace...Loving Others!
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 New International Version (NIV)
Final Instructions
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. 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. 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. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
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. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 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.
Tues. December 8
What does being awake and living as children of God’s light look like? Be at peace with others, which means stop holding grudges and forgive. Don’t sit around and make everyone else do all the work. Get involved! Serve those who are weak and always be patient. Always seek to do good instead of reacting with angry, nasty comments. In other words, stop complaining, especially about petty stuff and things you cannot control. Instead… rejoice! God loves you! Your Savior Jesus has forgiven you! Give thanks because that is incredibly good news that God holds nothing against you. Let the Holy Spirit lead you instead of trying to be in control of your own life, let alone everyone else’s. Cling to good things like love, peace, and joy. Abstain from evil things like whining, complaining, jealousy, pride, etc. Living as God’s children of light is pretty practical stuff!