Where the Heart Remains: January 2011

This afternoon, as I was completing my dictations in English, my mother read to me this verse from the Bible:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 ~

As I pondered these words, I thought about the direct instruction Paul writes to us. I had heard and read the verse before, but today, the words had a greater effect in my heart.

In verse fourteen, Paul says:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

In this verse, Paul is telling us to warn those who are stubborn and disobedient, to comfort and encourage those who are disheartened, to give strength to the weak, and to be patient toward all men and women of this earth.

What a difference it would make if we, as Christians, would follow the example that Christ set for us… To shine the light of Jesus, and show God’s love in this broken world.

God challenges us to share His Word with those who are in need of it, and to encourage those who are depressed. He asks us to make strong those who are unsure and weak, and to be patient to all.

Verse fifteen says:

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

Paul tells us in the verse above to set an example to those who are unkind. Have you ever been in a situation where someone is inconsiderate to you? All of us have. Rather than showing a hard and unfriendly heart, act as Christ acted… Be patient, forgive, and ask for God’s guidance in the situation. God will reward those with a kind spirit.

Onto verse sixteen:

“Rejoice evermore.”

Paul writes very simply to rejoice in God, our Heavenly Father. He has saved us, and has an unfailing love for each and everyone of us. Paul similarly writes in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

God deserves our highest praise. Thank Him daily for the wonderful things He has given you: your family, your friends, your abilities, etc.

Verse seventeen says:

“Pray without ceasing.”

In this verse, Paul shares with us the importance of praying to God continually. Although we cannot spend each hour of the day in prayer with God, we can make godly decisions, and think godly thoughts throughout the day. Psalm 55:17 says, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.”

My dear friends, if you are feeling disheartened today, go to God in prayer… He hears you, and He will listen. Always remember that He knows what is best for your life.

Paul writes in verse eighteen:

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

You may be curious at this point and be asking yourself how it’s possible to give thanks in everything. It is sometimes difficult to give thanks in the midst of certain circumstances. We are to thank God for His presence and power, even through hard trials. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We have so much to be thankful for. We, as God’s beloved children, are immensely blessed… We are gifted with the greatest prize of all ~ the love of Christ in our hearts. Let each of us continuously give thanks for the treasure that God has bestowed upon us… The treasure of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer!

I pray that you have been encouraged, and that God has spoken to you through the words of this post. May He continue to remain steadfast in your heart, my dear friends!