1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, “And we urge you brothers, to respect those who labor among you, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See to it that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
Relationships can be complicated. In every committee, workplace, and organization, there will be difficult people that are obnoxious, know-it-alls, and just abrasive in their arrogancy. I bought a book on this very subject some years ago, entitled, “Sandpaper People. Dealing with the Ones Who Rub You the Wrong Way.” By Mary Southerland. As the author points out, these are people that God uses to teach us more patience, knowing when to confront, and acknowledging our need for loving others unconditionally, as God has done for us. What about self-control? Yes, those emotional button-pushers will test our limits and provide opportunities to use our anger-management skills, when those triggers appear.
Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians, in these verses, in how to deal with difficult people. He did it without being critical or harsh. He did not rebuke or condemn them, yet his tone was serious, had urgency, and was associated with comfort. That is what encouragement brings, as Christ’s example is stated in Romans 15:1, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Don’t we all at times, need encouragement, words of affirmation, and reassurance in being recognized or having acknowledgement that we have value? We all need nurturing with those wise words Solomon stated in Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Speaking 1 Corinthians 15:4, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant,” gives another mercy and grace, as God has richly given to you and me, and provides a needed blessing to those that are hurting.
Leaders at church, “those who labor among you,” need to hear appreciation regarding their influence upon your life. Show your love for them by your encouraging words; otherwise, how will they ever know?
Paul stated, “admonish the idle.” Paul addressed those that were undisciplined and insubordinate. Those that do not put in a full day’s work are a poor testimony in the workplace.
Encourage the fainthearted – Isaiah 35:4, “Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not!” Reviewing and reciting the promises of God gives us hope. We all need more endurance in our struggles, and often someone’s smile, hug, or fitting words enable Hebrews 12:12 to be accomplished, “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees.” Do you feel like your lungs, knees, and legs are burning from the race set before you in life right now? There is an end to every crisis. Jehovah Jireh will provide your need and you will feel freedom, joy, and peace again. “God will do His greatest work in the tension between almost and not yet.” Joshua Nangle, Patience in the Workplace, November 3, 2021, from Faith, Work, and Economics. As Paul admonished, in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See to it that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” God will honor, and He will repay. Lay it all down before Him.
Listen to We The Kingdom – God So Loved (LYRICS). 1/16/2020.