Rejoice Always
Hello Church!
These are strange days we find ourselves living in. In light of the current situation, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to reach out via blog and video, something we’ve wanted to try for some time!
That’s a phrase many of us probably have not heard much in recent weeks; “a perfect opportunity”. However, it’s my hope that’s the way we can allow the Holy Spirit to begin to work in our minds. In Romans 8:28, Paul reminds us that God is working all things together for our good! We talk a lot about the goodness of God, and I want to remind you that in the New Covenant, diseases are a weapon of the enemy! However, we do believe in the face of the situation the accuser has brought about, God is seeking to teach us and grow us up in love.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 5:12-20 over the past few weeks - wisdom we would do well to heed in this time. Read it when you get the chance. The Church in Thessalonica was enduring intense persecution as this letter was written to them. In the first three chapters, Paul celebrated the faithfulness of the Thessalonians and he gave them some instructions about righteous living.
Then Paul’s tone changed. He challenged them to grow up into something new! There are three things I want us to consider as the Church in this unique moment in world history:
#1 Be at peace amongst yourselves.
We can not afford to have division among us! That means in times of panic and fear, the Church cannot have an inward OR outward expression of offense toward those who are afraid. “Respecting those who labor among us and are over us in the Lord” means we cannot have a disparaging attitude toward leaders who make requests of us for our well being or toward churches who make decisions for the betterment of the communities whose feet we wash.
#2 Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and do all this with patience.
Pray against loneliness, thoughts of suicide, and fear of financial hardship. If you see believers around you putting their kingdom assignment “on hold” (idle), admonish them to find creative new ways to love the people around them as Jesus would! When you encounter folks who are afraid (fainthearted), encourage them! These times will be short-lived. We’re people of the future, not of the present. Finally, help the weak. Those who are poor, elderly or have weakened immune systems need you! Bring them groceries, pray for them in person or simply give them a phone call. Be creative and ask the Holy Spirit how he would have you respond wisely. Be patient and kind in it all.
#3 Pray without ceasing, rejoice always, and give thanks in all circumstances.
We are filled with the Spirit of God, who enables us to do just this. Review the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) and make note that “righteous anger” is not among them (nor is it in the Bible). If you’re feeling angry or grieved by what’s happening around you, ask the Holy Spirit why you’re feeling that way! You might be surprised by how quickly he answers.
My prayer is that we would all lean into the changes that are happening around us and see what God wants to do through our situation! How might he want to stretch you, challenge you, or break you of old habits and fears?