Paul’s final benediction to the Thessalonians is a list of instructions for developing Christian character: highly regard your co-laborers with love, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone, pursue the good of all, give thanks in everything, test all things, hold on to what is good, and stay away from evil, among other words of advice (1Thessalonians 5:12–22). But these aren’t just rules for the sake of being good. Paul is giving these faithful, early Christ followers a collection of transformative practices to help them deepen their maturity and grow in their faith, practices that have guided generations of believers toward a life that looks like Jesus.
It’s notable that this portrait of a believer in hard times isn’t frantic or fearful. They aren’t to be people who strive to solve everything in their own power. They aren’t to be fretting about persecution or disrespect. Instead, this is what it looks like to trust the God who first called them. This is what it looks like to seek the good of each other and the flourishing of community.
You may be thinking, How? How can I possibly do all this—comforting the discouraged and pursuing the greater good and giving thanks in everything—when it feels like my world is falling apart? Is this call to be blameless even possible? But here is the good news: you were never meant to do this alone. “He who calls you is faithful. He will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:24).
In his book Surrender to Love, David G. Benner compares this sort of reliance on God to learning how to swim. Before you can move through the water, first you have to recognize that you can float. “The English word surrender,” he writes, “carries the implication of putting one’s full weight on someone or something. It involves letting go… And it involves trust.” Floating naturally happens when we stop trying so hard to keep our head above water.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with effort. All of these instructions are active practices we should incorporate into our lives as believers. But when we trust God’s faithfulness, we can strive less, knowing the work isn’t wholly dependent on us. Paul’s encouragement is to keep seeking wholeness so that “the God of peace himself” may “sanctify [us] completely” (1Thessalonians 5:23). With the Lord as our confidence, we don’t have to be afraid (Proverbs 3:24–26).
There may be times when we wonder if we have the endurance to keep going. We can honor our limits and acknowledge our struggles. But just like learning to swim, we can remind ourselves to float as we learn new strokes, until every movement becomes muscle memory. The work is ours, but it’s also God’s. He called us to it, and He is faithful to finish it.
Wisdom is precious and it goes hand in hand with discretion. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Proverbs 3:17). A pastor once gave a tip on how to discern actions in some weird unique situations, whether or not it’s wise to go ahead. He used the verse 17 above suggesting these questions, if I do this, will it be pleasant? will it bring peace all the way? And that really sticks with me and I’d like to share. I agree with Churchmouse that the list Paul gave was very daunting, on another perspective, this dauting list also speaks wisdom and discretion to me. Amen to Jen the author, for her statement, But here is the good news: you were never meant to do this alone. “He who calls you is faithful. He will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:24). Wonderful devotion today. It is good news indeed.
@Deanna, I am praying for your son for complete deliverance over substance abuse, mental attacks and defiant temperament. May your son be set free and have complete wholeness through the rest of his life. May this infirmity be uprooted and cast out from your family. I have seen deliverance testimonies where many many have been set free, lives turning around. I am praying for you to be strengthened ever more. God loves you. Please keep trusting in Him.
@Sarah, praying for your job interview. God is good all the time. All good and perfect gifts come from Him! May you experience His goodness.
@Ashli V, praying for your family to be prepared and helped for the next move ahead. I was in similar situation though to a lesser extent. Sometimes the hurt caused from family is what hurts most. Praying for healing/ reconciliation, and for more strength/stamina as you come back to work and juggling with two young children. How strong you are. May more support and comfort be sent to you through the people around you, by God’s grace. God bless you.
Wow! What an insightful devotion.
Have a great and blessed weekend sisters.
Praying for all of you.
MEA trust in the Lord and I pray you can find a church community to walk with you on your faith journey.
Ashli- praying for you as you and your family move across the country. My family and I moved last year and also experienced opposition. Be encouraged that God works out every detail so beautifully when you are following Him! He has great plans for you!
I was also encouraged by the reading today! God is so gracious and wants us to lean back, trust Him, and allow Him to work and live thorough us!
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me! The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me
and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20❤️
Praying along side you Deanna. My daughter went through a very similar time at this age with mental health, running away and gender issues. She is now 22, independent and doing fairly well, although she is not in fellowship with Christ so my prayers are still for that. Our world makes it so hard for our sweet children to begin maturing and make the choice to follow God. Sometimes what’s best for our kids is not the easiest thing to stand behind but I believe in God to impart wisdom to you as you seek to do what is best for him. Stand firm and let God’s love for him be apparent through you.
Love this one today.
Praying for you, Deana!
Praying for all the ladies in the SRT community today! In our various places and challenges in life, God remains steady and available for us all to tap into His love.