A Good Reason!

Sometimes the reason for doing something is much closer than we think. Besides doing things because God has asked us to do them and because they glorify Him (which ought to be enough without knowing all the reasons why), there is good reason to consider how we treat and interact with others because that person we see in the mirror each day has many of the same needs and challenges. Therefore we should be mindful of the godly attribute of PATIENCE. I need to be PATIENT when it comes to the faults of others because they have to be PATIENT with the faults on which I myself am still having to work.

In Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he exhorted. . .
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)

As we consider Paul's full statement here, being PATIENT does not mean lack of concern for what may need to change, whether that be in others or in us. Paul urged to recognize when those who remain idle need to be admonished to get involved. Those who are fainthearted or timid need to be encouraged. And the weak need our help, not our condescension. However, in all of this there is the need for exercising PATIENCE.

Spiritual growth remains the expectation for all of us in Christ. Nevertheless, we are to be PATIENT while we attempt to urge others in it. That is what we should hope to receive from others as well. Thank God for His PATIENCE! Remembering what we have received from Him, may we mercifully extend it to others.

Have a great day BEING A REASONABLE ENCOURAGER OF OTHERS!
Carl

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