Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are
unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all
men. See that none render evil for evil
unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to
all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the
Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5, verses 14-18.
There are times in our lives when we can share our
genuine concern for those who are making self-destructive choices. You never know if the things you say may be
at a time that will help refocus that person.
(I always like to ask God to provide the words when I’m in a situation
like this. He always provides the right
things for me to say.)
We are to be patient, tolerant and supportive of
those who are mentally disabled, as well as those with any other
disability. We are to be patient with
everyone because we are supposed to be examples of how God works in our lives.
Have you ever overheard someone saying, “Yeah, they
profess to be a Christian. You should
have seen him out drinking the night away in the local bars-some Christian,
huh?” Or, “You should have seen the way
she was yelling at her kids and she says she’s a Christian. If that’s what Christians do, I want no part
of it.”
Did you realize that our example could either lead
people to God or push them away from having a relationship with Him? Well, it can!
Sometimes our example is as close as anyone gets to knowing Jesus and
the impact that He leaves on our lives.
Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.
