12 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. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Jennifer is great at packing. With three kids and many activities there are season where we have lived out of suitcases. The time it takes to get all the things prepared I often underestimate and leave many things behind. Being prepared is present on trips to the pool, school, and everywhere in between. In today’s reading from 1 Thesselonian 5 there is a reminder that the rapture will occur quickly, catching the unbelieving world unprepared. I often pray and very thankful for words like these that help me to remember the watchfulness we need to have, how we need to conduct ourselves, and simple instructions to our daily lives that we need to listen to and pray on daily.
Watchfulness
Believers should be awake and sober, and not like others who are asleep.
Duties to others
Believers should comfort one another and do good to everyone, not just other Christians.
Practical instructions
Believers should be peaceful, hardworking, and forgiving, and should pray constantly and maintain an attitude of joyfulness.
Christ is coming again, I’ll admit that I take this for granted too often and think I have another day. Today’s a great day to rejoice, pray, and give praise to our Lord trusting His will for our lives.