Always Strive To Do What Is Good For Each Other

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

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. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-18

It is destructive to be selfishly concerned about our own gain instead of the benefit of a whole community. Paul understood the need for uplifting, interdependent relationships when he wrote to the believers in Thessalonica. He urged them to “warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,” and “be patient with everyone.”

Commanding their caring community, Paul spurred them toward even more loving and peaceful relationships. By striving to create a culture of forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, their relationships with God and others would be strengthened.

The church can grow and witness for Christ through this kind of loving unity. When believers honor God, committing to life others up instead of pulling them down with words or actions, we and our communities thrive.

How will you build up others in your community? What care and compassion have you received from believers in Jesus?

Our Daily Bread – January 13, 2019