We beg you, our brothers, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.

We urge you, our brothers, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; do not despise inspired messages. Put all things to the test: keep what is good and avoid every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

What are the problems that drive your life? Chances are it is not the big difficulties that get the best of you, it is the small annoyances that come into our lives every single day. These are the little trials we cannot escape. And these little trials may be the way that our LORD teaches us spiritual lessons which help us increase our endurance.

If you pause to think, you will find cause to thank.

Our Daily Bread – April 9, 2002