“We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (GW)
How many times have we wanted others to be patient with us in our weaknesses? No one wants to feel judged. Do we have friends who tell us what to do and how to be without being understanding towards us? Do we end up feeling more discouraged and want to give up? We are all on this journey of growth in the Lord, and each of us are at different stages. Some may be struggling harder and are not yet at a level of maturity where they can be strong. We need to extend grace and mercy towards others. Rather than preaching and judging, we must humbly encourage others remembering that we too were there at one point. Being instruments of His love, patience, long-suffering, meekness, gentleness, self-control and mercy we can guide them back to God. Some believers are fragile, weak and need to know that we are standing by them with God’s love cheering them on. We must pray for wisdom in how to share God’s truth with them. We can turn someone away from the faith if we are not careful. Love wins people over, but a lack of love can destroy them. Some people are full of fear and desperately need encouragement. We must guide people towards God and not away from God. We must not stand in judgement but rather try to understand in love where someone is at spiritually and be very patient with a fragile person. Let’s encourage the weak and those who are not living right. Let’s cheer them on and draw them closer to God.
“Lord help me to be an encourager to all. Help me to instruct those who are not living right with all humility. Help me to cheer up the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.”
For His Glory
Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend
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