In Community
As you think back on your school experiences, was/is there a particular subject or activity that you enjoyed and felt you were good at? Are those favorites still a part of your life and/or career and do you have friends who share that love and interest?
As a child, did you ever sell anything (like for an organization you belonged to, a school project, or lemonade stand)? Was that fun or did you do it begrudgingly because you had to? Was it easier if you really felt invested in the cause it was promoting, or had an excellent leader to follow?
As a child, did you ever sell anything (like for an organization you belonged to, a school project, or lemonade stand)? Was that fun or did you do it begrudgingly because you had to? Was it easier if you really felt invested in the cause it was promoting, or had an excellent leader to follow?
In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul gives us solid tips and direction for interacting with those in our community around us. Here are some of the pointers:
Having read the first part of the list (vv12-15), you might be tempted to think, “Everyone should mind their own business, and don’t be minding mine!” That is a natural reaction. What other reactions could there be?
- Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. (vv12-13)
- And live peacefully with each other. (v13)
- Warn those who are lazy, encourage those who are timid, take tender care of those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. (v14)
- See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. (15)
- Always be joyful. (v16)
- Never stop praying. (v17)
- Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (v18)
Having read the first part of the list (vv12-15), you might be tempted to think, “Everyone should mind their own business, and don’t be minding mine!” That is a natural reaction. What other reactions could there be?
As you read through this list, we might conclude that our Christian community is made up of a wide variety of people, all needing, love, support and respect. You would be correct!
Finally, what do you think the end goal of this instruction is? Why did Paul share this with the early church and with us today?
Finally, what do you think the end goal of this instruction is? Why did Paul share this with the early church and with us today?
4832 Ponderings:
Closing Prayer: Dear God, You have told us in Your Word that You have given us a new command to love one another, just as You love us. In this love, may we respect one another, support and encourage one another, and challenge one another. Let us do this with sincerity and may we invest our lives for the wellbeing of each other, our community and our world. By this everyone will know that we are Your disciples, because we love one another. adapted from John 13:34-35
- How can I reflect this guidance in the relationships I have?
- Do I need an attitude check of how I respond to leaders, accept loving critique, or disagree with someone?
Closing Prayer: Dear God, You have told us in Your Word that You have given us a new command to love one another, just as You love us. In this love, may we respect one another, support and encourage one another, and challenge one another. Let us do this with sincerity and may we invest our lives for the wellbeing of each other, our community and our world. By this everyone will know that we are Your disciples, because we love one another. adapted from John 13:34-35
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