Daily Devotion (November 2, 2024)
1 Thessalonians 5:14–17
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
- Warn those who are unruly
- Comfort the fainthearted
- Uphold the weak
- Be patient with all
- Do not render evil for evil
- Pursue what is go…FOR ALL
- Rejoice always!!!…REJOICE ALWYS
- PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!!
Paul’s exhortation to the Church! Paul wrote to the church when Christianity was looked down upon. The government, Rome, viewed Christianity with suspicion and hostility. The Christian world was seen as a threat to Rome. Christians were misunderstood and persecuted.
Are we, the church, being misunderstood today? It may be the “church” itself is misunderstanding itself and what it is to be in the world.
But the focus I have today is what are we, the church, to do. I have listed from these verses eight things the church is to do. The last two are of vital importance. Number seven is hard to do but necessary. We must remember that when persecution comes the Christians focus should not be on the world but on God. In the darkness of night do not focus on the darkness but on the light of Jesus.
I should have given more focus on number eight because this is where we should be continually. Christians should always have communication with God. We PRAY without ceasing. Our focus is Jesus and His return. As we wait on His return, we are to FOCUS ON JESUS. Our time on earth is short. Each day we move closer to death. What do we do between now and death, or the return of Christ? Read the above list of eight. Someone told me long ago. “Gary, it is not all about you.” I have never forgotten those words. The Bible tells us it is all about Jesus. Are you living your life for Christ?