“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
An interesting thing about our current culture is if we call anyone any of these things, it might as well be considered hate speech. It is not hateful to tell the truth. People are in different places of maturity. Yes, there are the unruly in the church. What are we to do with the different types of people? Here is the list and we are told what to do. As with all of Scripture, we do well to do what it says.
Lord, I look at these things and then often go on as if I have never seen them. Guide me, Lord, so that I may walk humbly in Your sight, yet firmly in the doing of what is right. Grant that I would be bold and stand up to those who are unruly, yet also gentle to be an encouragement to the fainthearted. In all things, grant me the patience to help the weak and the heart of one who gives grace to others.
Lord Jesus, You have come so that we may take on and live in Your image. This is said easily, but doing it is another matter. Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth in order that I may do all these things and more. Where I err, correct me. Where I am unruly, admonish me. Where I am fainthearted, encourage me. Help me in and through all things to fulfill the Father’s will in my life. Amen.
