Beautiful People
Opening Prayer
Gracious Lord and Father, may Your Word do good work in me as I read and meditate on it now.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
[12] Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. [13] Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. [14] And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not treat prophecies with contempt [21] but test them all; hold on to what is good, [22] reject every kind of evil. [23] May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. [25] Brothers and sisters, pray for us. [26] Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. [27] I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
How would you summarize Paul's admonitions here?Paul tells how God’s people should live to honor the Lord. For each aspect of Christian living Paul describes, ask yourself how you and your fellowship are doing. Christians treat each other with love and respect (12-15). Some Christians need help and encouragement, while others struggle with self-control or doubts. None of us is perfect yet, but God is working to make us so (23,24). Since God is patient with us, we must be patient with one another (14). Christians don’t get even (15)! How do you react when someone in your fellowship behaves badly toward you? Do we aim to repay evil with kindness as Jesus taught (Matt. 5:43-48)? Christians aim for holiness. That means we warn and challenge each other about unholy behavior. God uses loving warnings to lead us into holiness (23). Christians are constantly thankful for what Jesus has done (16,18). Christians are passionate about talking to and listening to God (17,19).
Apply
Thank the Lord for progress you see in yourself and your church. Pray for any areas that still need work.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, living for You isn’t easy, but I want to do it. Help me do it more closely each day.
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