In Touch Daily Devotions 3 May 2022 By Dr. Charles Stanley

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TOPIC: Christian Duties

SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,

and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

In Touch Daily Devotions 3 May 2022 MESSAGE

It may be startling to realize the commands in verse 14 of today’s passage aren’t addressed to church leaders but to “brothers and sisters”—terms used to refer to fellow Christians. How adequate do you feel to “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, [and] be patient with everyone”?

Our life in the community of faith isn’t a matter of merely sitting through a worship service each Sunday. Let’s not think of the church as a place but as a group of believers who are “all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). That means being there to comfort the grieving, guide the straying, and encourage those who are weary from their trials.

To accomplish this, we must be willing to listen. It’s easy to give a quick answer before truly understanding someone’s situation. But since the outward problem may be but a symptom of an internal spiritual struggle, it’s wise to be patient. When others are given a chance to share, we can better discern how God wants us to respond.

We should always seek what’s best for one another. In some cases, practical or material help is called for; at other times, it could mean prayer or a willingness to help a person grow spiritually. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what your role is.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 7-9

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Church community isn’t just for Sundays—it should continually edify our life in Christ.

In Touch Daily Devotions 3 May 2022 By Dr. Charles Stanley. He is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, both located in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Stanley’s heart’s desire is to get the gospel to “as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, as clearly as possible, as irresistibly as possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God. In Touch Daily Devotions 3 May 2022