1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
Worship Devo with Aimie Morgan
Dive Deeper
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
Behind the Scenes
I wrote a devotional for this scripture and then deleted it because my thought was, am I even living up to what I just wrote? So, I want to be real with you! Starting from scratch here.
Thinking about Afghanistan, I was reminded that we are called to help those in need, to be there for those who are weak, and to lift each other up through hardship. We are all part of the family of Christ and should do our part. Then I asked myself, what have I done for Afghanistan except weep and pray? Other than that, nothing!
That had me thinking. Many of us carry a natural a desire to help and to serve in some way. Aircrew who have been evacuating get to physically assist those affected. Roughly 25,000 Afghan refugees have been placed since August of this year, and there are so many people with hands-on experience, and it makes me think of the scripture for today. THOSE people have been able to read through this passage and check off the box.
Make it Real
But here’s the thing! We don’t have to have the cinematic experience to help those in need. Driving a friend’s child to the hospital can emotionally move mountains. Answering a phone call and being a listening ear can save a life. Fixing a toilet, sink, or helping to move furniture is all part of serving, too!
What I’m trying to say, is that sometimes all we need to be is ‘actively available.’ I say ‘actively,’ because when we sit idle, we miss out. I think I write this in most every devotional, but when we wake up each morning and carry our cross and offer our lives to Jesus, He will show us just how to abide by these passages. He will open our eyes to those who are hurting around us.
He may call some of us to leave this country and serve as missionaries, but others, He calls to just stay put! Love those around you, and love them well. Build each other up, including a difficult family member, coworker, or acquaintance. Be patient. Do not keep score and seek revenge, but consider instead that Jesus died for every single person, even that person that causes frustration in your life.
We are all part of a well-oiled working machine and we are called to different places and people. Be bold, step out of your comfort zone. Pray, listen, and then act.
Ali Bair
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Lord,
Teach me to be actively on alert for the unique and special ways you call me to serve. Help me to posture my heart to say yes to obeying whenever you call. Help my eyes to see those around me that are hurting. Give me wisdom to know how I can serve. And most importantly, teach me to lean on you for it all.
Amen