Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Love and be Loved
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thess 5:13).
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thess 5:13).
A truly religious life is a life of constant joy. Joy in Christ is received through prayer and repentance. In the last chapter of St Paul's 1st epistle to Thessalonians, he gives final instructions and greetings to be followed. Instead of giving voice of command, Paul is pleading us to develop a new outlook in our attitude to other people and religions.
Even in Christianity we can see many divisions as a result of diversity in the interpretations of God's word and the controversies on the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Paul says thinking on right things and practicing them brings peace—the very presence of God in our lives (Philippians 4: 9). In verse 19, Paul reminds us not to restrain and despise the Holy Spirit and the inspired message. We shouldn't make fun of those who are called to speak for god. We are on dangerous ground if we laugh at the truth. Instead we should carefully check out what people say, accepting what is true and rejecting what is false.
As fellow believers in Christ, we need to change our outlook about and to the world because,there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Cor. 5:17). To experience God and to reshape our perspectives, we need to unlock three doors in our life; Prayer, love, and Peace.Pray all the time, without ceasing.
Along with love, we need to be the guardians of peace as it is found to be lacking in the present world. Jesus gives us his peace to us, not as what the world will give us. God wants us to be enjoy the fullness of spirit as it gives fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). To live in peace and offer peace, we must look upon practicing it with one another. Do not let evil conquer you, rather conquer evil by doing good, this is what the scripture teaches us.
Even in Christianity we can see many divisions as a result of diversity in the interpretations of God's word and the controversies on the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Paul says thinking on right things and practicing them brings peace—the very presence of God in our lives (Philippians 4: 9). In verse 19, Paul reminds us not to restrain and despise the Holy Spirit and the inspired message. We shouldn't make fun of those who are called to speak for god. We are on dangerous ground if we laugh at the truth. Instead we should carefully check out what people say, accepting what is true and rejecting what is false.
As fellow believers in Christ, we need to change our outlook about and to the world because,there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Cor. 5:17). To experience God and to reshape our perspectives, we need to unlock three doors in our life; Prayer, love, and Peace.Pray all the time, without ceasing.
Along with love, we need to be the guardians of peace as it is found to be lacking in the present world. Jesus gives us his peace to us, not as what the world will give us. God wants us to be enjoy the fullness of spirit as it gives fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). To live in peace and offer peace, we must look upon practicing it with one another. Do not let evil conquer you, rather conquer evil by doing good, this is what the scripture teaches us.
PRAYER
Lord helps to love others and to be loved by all, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The more we love the more we will be loved ourselves.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Lord helps to love others and to be loved by all, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The more we love the more we will be loved ourselves.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church