Happy Friday Saints.
If you’re going to do what 1Thessalonians 5:14 says and WARN THE UNRULY, COMFORT THE FAINTHEARTED and UPHOLD THE WEAK, then you need to pay attention to the final part of that verse. It finishes with an admonition to “BE PATIENT WITH ALL.”
If you’re really going to help, encourage, support and uphold those who need it most, then you’re going to need a lot of patience.
The unruly, don’t often change in an instant. The fainthearted don’t easily snap out of the desire to give up. And the weak sometimes need to be upheld for a while before they can stand up strong again.
As we saw yesterday, it’s the strength of our relationships that will determine the receptivity of those who are struggling. If they’re going to be open to receiving help, they’ll need to trust those who are strong and able.
Apart from taking the time to build healthy relationships, those who are unstable will need time to learn, adjust, and grow. One day, they will be strong enough to help someone else in need but until then, those who are strong will have to be patient with those who need assistance.
1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us that “LOVE IS PATIENT.” Draw from the love of God inside your heart, and let Him give you the patience that you need to support those who are feeling helpless.
Give others the same care that you’d want if you were in a similar situation. Be kind, friendly, thoughtful, and generous with your support.
Have a great weekend. God bless and lots’a love,
Warren
