Be Patient Toward All

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. — 1 Thessalonians 5:13 

Abby and I had a fun time at the beach on Friday.

We probably stayed in the water at least 45 minutes, it was so warm.

Then we walked along the beach and took time for a selfie.

I wore my big hat so I wouldn't get burned.

God's Word urges us to comfort those who are discouraged.

To help the weak.

And to be patient toward everyone.

Patience is a virtue, but it's also hard to do consistently.

So when Paul urged the people of Thessalonica to be patient, he know they would need God's help to make it happen.

Just as we need His help today.

Encourage the Disheartened

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. — 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Lots of people have become disheartened during this time of social distancing.

Others have become disruptive.

God calls us to encourage the disheartened.

He charges us to help the weak.

And to go beyond even helping others, by being patient with them,

Not something we can do on our own.

Only with God's help is it possible for us to be patient when we want to lash out and be rude.

 

God Chose the Foolish

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. — I Corinthians 1:26-27

When God called me, I was a sinner.

I still am. But he is working on me.

He hasn't given up yet.

God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise.

He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

He loves me in spite of my flaws.

Strength in Weakness

For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:10

God comforts me in my troubles so I in turn can comfort others with the comfort that comes only from God. 

It's not always easy for me to accept help from others, but God is teaching me how to do it graciously.

Our friends Judy and Yale are bringing us dinner today.

And my friend Chrissy and many other friends have offered to do the same.

This is perfect timing in case I start to get worn out this week.

Just four days of radiation left!