In review of 1 Thessalonians 5:14 it says, “Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone”
Bottom Line:
Encourage, take care and be patient with others.
What this means to me:
I am encouraged to encourage anyone who feels left out, disheartened or timid. I am to take care of those who are weak and can’t help themselves. I am to learn to be patient with everyone.
When ministering to someone, I’m to do whatever needs to be done to help them. I help in small but practical ways.
I can give comfort to those who in pain by attending to the small things that could make a big differences. I can show love by offering practical assistance to relieve pain and discomfort.
Also, I’m learning to not be afraid to ask questions or suggest things. Today’s verse says, “Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NLT).
When others are in pain or don’t feel well they can often get cranky. I can show them compassion by cutting them some slack and extending kindness and patience to them.
This is important because one of the fears that people have is losing control. I can minister to people by being aware of their needs but also giving them choices in how those needs are addressed. Every time you give them a choice, I give control back to them.
Sometimes the smallest gesture or thoughtful assistance can make the biggest impact on someone who is facing problems. My presence is a ministry in itself, and so is my compassion through any practical assistance.
This passage reminds me of a speaker, John Maxwell, that I just heard today at the Global Leadership summit 2016. John’s talk about being intentional by learning how to value others and add value to them. This is very much like doing small and thoughtful gestures to minister to others.
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