But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them highly in love becaused of their work. And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that whichis good for one anothre and for all men.
1 Thess 5:12-15 NAS
LET IT GLOW
Each year at Christmas time, we face the same question: What gifts do I give my family members? It is especially difficult since they live several states away from us. We are fortunate if we see them once a year. Therefore, my daughter used to make up a gift list that her family would like to receive. Then, I would choose from the list and everyone was happy.
Last year, we visited them the latter part of November, so I had a new idea. Why not be with the children and see them pick out what they wanted. So we gave each of the four grandchildren a certain amount of money each and took them to the toy store. One morning, the 7 of us piled into the van and off we went. Needless to say, excitment was in the air. We had a system-our daughter took the 2 older boys, I took the girl, and grandpa took the toddler.(No, actually, it just worked out that way.)
What seemed like all morning for gifts to be chosen, took only a couple of hours. We were all drooping, the adults, that is. I was second-guessing my decision when my feet were aching from walking the isles what seemed like 50 times. (Those were very difficult decisions for young shoppers.) It was worth all the endurance to see each child thrilled as we drove away, van full of packages. Everyone had such fun! Especially when the kids got to play with thier toys upon arriving home. (and I didn't have to shop on the internet either)
In the last part of chapter 5, Paul gives us a divinely approved gift list. It's God's desire that we give each gift to one another. Shall we check it out?
In Charles Swindoll's book, Contagious Christianity, he says:There are four worthwhile gifts to give away:
- Gifts kindly requested.
- Gifts urgently needed.
- Gifts that are continually appropriate.
- Gifts occasionally uncertain.
LET IT GROW
Swindoll looks closely at each gift. Here's what he had to say:
1. Gifts kindly requested.
(1) Respect those in leadership. Christians are to esteem, value, and respect those believers who minister
to them from church leadership postions. Why? It's because of their work.
(2) Live in peace with one another. Peace can't be maintained unless members of God's family actively
seek peaceful relations between each other. (Romans 12:10-18 gives more detail.)
2. Gifts urgently needed.
(1) Admonish the unruly.
This fellow believer is undisciplined, disorderly, and rresponsible in carrying out their Christian duty.
We are expected to be and do what we ought to.
(2) Encourage the fainthearted.
Give them words of comfort, a listening ear, and show them that someone cares.
(3) Help the weak.
When Christians experience weakness, exhaustion, or burnout, they need another believer to stand by
them as long as it takes to see them through.
(4) Be patient with everyone.
This gift of patience, which means "long tempered," can be given to non-Christians as well as to
Christians. It conveys the idea of being tough and durable in the face of intense pressure, of
manifesting quiet and steady strength that can handle disappointment, hardship, and pain.
(5) Refuse to retaliate; do good.
Always seek that which is in the best interest of both believers and unbelievers. Return evil with good,
ugly remarks with kind words, frowns with smiles, fists with attempts at reconciliation, and
backstabbing with genuine forgiveness.
Oh my, what a list. What do I need to work on? Tomorrow, we will talk about the other two gifts.
LET IT GO
Look for ways I can encourage my church leaders.
Admonish, encourage, help, and be patient with believers and non-believers.
No comments:
Post a Comment