Articles
Instructions From An Apostle! (Part 2)
We continue this week discussing Paul’s instructions found in the book of 1
Thessalonians. The book is written to the church in Thessalonica. At the end of the letter Paul
gives the church a short list of instructions that he requests and urges them to follow. These
instructions should be strong lessons for us today as well.
How easy is it to treat others poorly when we believe we have been slighted or wronged
in some way? A group of people will have difficulties just like a big family does. There will be
times when we do not agree and will get our feelings hurt. But that doesn’t mean we should stop
caring for one another. “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after
that which is good for one another and for all people” (1 Thess. 5:15). When we love each
other, we will want the best for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will not want to hurt
someone we truly love.
Keeping a positive attitude and our focus on God is a daily task. It is important for our
own mental health and the health of the Church. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in
everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Like an
illness, negative attitudes and grumblings can be contagious. It can spread to those around you
and bring the entire group down. In the same way, a positive, thankful attitude can encourage
and strengthen those around you, building up the body of Christ.
Doing what is right is part of our daily life with Christ. But how will we know what is
right unless we study His word? “Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of
evil” (1 Thess. 5:19-22). We gather together to study and hear the gospel preached. We must
never become lax in examining what we hear and comparing it to God’s word. Mistakes can be
made and error can creep in if we do not hold fast that which is good. ~B Tolbert
