Scripture Lesson

1 Thessalonians  5:12-24

12 But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; 13 esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. 15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets, 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.

23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Go Deeper

Today’s Micropractice: Paul’s list for the church in Thessalonica can also help us learn how to live with grace through this time of transition…this crossroads. Make a list of these things: 

*Respect & Esteem Leadership

*Encourage those who need it

*Help those who need help.

*Be patient with everyone.

*Seek to do good.

*Rejoice always.

*Pray without ceasing.

*Give thanks in all circumstances.

*Be open to God’s Spirit.

*Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything.

*Hold to the good

*Refrain from evil

Put them some place prominent so they will be a reminder. Maybe work towards committing them to memory. The Jewish understanding of Spirit, Soul, and Body is to be about the whole person. Paul’s list is an aide to helping ourselves and our church during the months ahead.

For Children

Having a list of rules is never fun, but they can oftentimes help us live more peacefully with our family and friends. Go over some of the rules that you have in your family with an adult and talk about the reasons why these rules were made. Understanding why a rule exists helps a lot in living those rules daily.