11/29/13 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Always Be Ready to Help Others

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NAS)

And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.

 

               1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIVUS)

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

  
Scarlet O'Hara, the heroine of Gone With the Wind, is famous for the expression "I will think about that tomorrow."  When she was confronted with an upsetting, troubling situation, she would put it off, because she did not want to deal with it.  In the Christian walk, the Lord wants you to deal with things as they come up and not put them off until tomorrow.  He uses the word "now" many times in His word.  His name is "I Am".  He is in the present, in the now. So now is when you should deal with whatever you confront.
 
Sometimes you may need to gently reprove, admonish, or warn a brother or sister in Christ. They may have an insubordinate and unruly attitude that needs to be dealt with "now".  Adonai has designed us to live orderly lives, arranged according to what is right.  We cannot live according to our emotions and feelings, for they will lead us in a way of confusion and strife. Therefore, a mild rebuke is actually a blessing to those who are going astray.
 
There are other times when you will need to encourage, comfort, and console another. Perhaps they feel faint-hearted and feeble-minded.  Now is not the time for reproof and rebuke.  Now is the time to draw near with love and compassion.  Those who are weak and puny need support.  Perhaps these feeble and strength-less ones simply need you to hold them for a little while.  You can help them recover, as you guide them back into rest.  Then they will be able to reign once more.
 
Patiently endure and be long suffering with the people in your life.  As you bear with another's weaknesses, you will find that others will treat you in like manner.  The seeds of kindness, mercy, and patience that you sow in another will reap a good harvest for you

 

(Originally written 4/26/06)