| 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Paul warned the church to be united in order to be a witness for the Lord. Firstly, respect those who are in authority because they are appointed by God to shepherd us. Those who lead and shepherd us in the Lord pray for our spiritual health before the Lord day and night and care for us. We need to remember the hard work that they put in. Serving God in the church is a very difficult job. No one remembers what the sacrifices made, and there are many who are critical of the things that are being done. We need to remember to bless our pastors and ministry workers, and learn to respect those who are in authority over us. Secondly, we need to learn to live in peace with each other. Only through unity can others see that Jesus is the true God. Unity does not mean to condone or to cover up wrongdoings. When there are improper things that happen, we need to warn each other and also learn to encourage those who are discouraged and to help the weak among us. Because we ourselves can become weak, we should not judge the weak and condemn them for their sins. We need to help them stand up again after they fall and more importantly be patient with everyone. Growth takes time and we need to give people time to grow and give them a second chance. In reality, God also gave us a second change, not just a second chance, but also third and fourth chances. May we learn to be patient with one another, help and encourage each other, so that we can grow together in our walk with the Lord. Pray with Pastor Tong Liu 
Lord, I thank you because you are the source of love. Please give us your wisdom and love to be patient with one another and encourage one another even when we encounter difficulties. Help us to run this race heavenward together and bring glory to your name. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen! |
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