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I Thessalonians 5: 11, 13, 15 Therefore
encourage one another and build each other up. . . . Live in peace with each
other . . . always try to be kind to each other. (NIV)
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We should seize every opportunity to give encouragement. It is oxygen to the soul.* |
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Movies
are often based on actual events. Once that disclaimer is delivered, they are
free to take liberties with history. So picture with me a scenario between Paul
and the Thessalonian Christians – based very loosely on actual events – in
which Paul informs them that Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is
to love your neighbor as you love yourself. And they reply, “Really? How do we
do that?” And Paul says, “Well, you could start by encouraging one another . .
.”
Do
you suppose Paul ever got frustrated with having to squander so much of his
papyrus on telling Christians what loving each other looks like? Someone has
said that the church is more than just a group of people who agree in their
beliefs.* That’s for sure. We don’t always even agree on what we
believe!
You
can’t escape your biological family - your weird cousin is still your cousin
even if you manage to avoid him. Our church family is not always made up of the
easy-to-love, either. But if we follow Paul’s instructions to encourage, build
up, live in peace and be kind, we might find that the family of God is a more
inviting place for the lost.
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Misfits have always been included in God’s family tree, and we are no exceptions.* |
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