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TEXT: I Thess. 5: 9-15*
9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10. Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
*MESSAGE*
It is often said that every good turn deserves another. Most of the admonitions we receive from the scripture are to tailor us to living in peace and harmony with fellow human beings and be right with God. The commandments are meant to help us to be good persons. It is important to be good because it makes us conform to the image of Christ.
To be good in this context is to have regard for those God has placed over and above us; to live in peace with one another; to warn those who are living in idleness, help those who are weak and make sure we do not repay evil for evil but, as much as possible, show kindness to everyone. This is the will of our Father in heaven. Jesus says in Matt 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” The kindness you do to someone is also done to God and the evil done to someone is also done to God. Such a deed also glorifies God or displeases Him as the case maybe.
We are expected to be transparently good to all people regardless of race, sex, religion, age, class and colour. We are to be good without expecting anything in return, for your God who sees in secret will definitely reward you accordingly in the open. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due course you will have your reward.
*HYMN: EMHB 580 (8.6.8.6.8.6.)*
1: DISMISS me not Thy service, Lord,
But train me for Thy will;
For even I, in fields so broad,
Some duties may fulfill;
And I will ask for no reward,
Except to serve Thee still.
2: How many serve, how many more
May to the service come;
To tend the vines, the grapes to store,
Thou dost appoint for some;
Thou hast Thy young men at the war,
Thy little ones at home.
3: All works are good, and each is best
As most it pleases Thee;
Each worker pleases when the rest
He serves in charity;
And neither man nor work unblest
Wilt Thou permit to be.
4: Our Master all the work hath done
He asks of us today;
Sharing his service, every one Share too His Sonship may:
Lord, I would serve and be a son;
Dismiss me not, I pray.
*MEMORY VERSE:*
IThessalonians 5: 15. Make sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
*PRAYER:* Grant me the grace O Lord, to be a true reflection of Your goodness to the people around me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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