In the first preserved letter that Paul wrote (chronologically), the inspired apostle gave some very explicit instructions to Christians regarding their responsibilities to one another. He emphasized that members of the Lord’s church are “taught by God to love one another,” and even to “increase more and more” in their unconditional, unselfish elevation of the needs of others above their own (1 Thess. 4:9-10). Near the end of that letter, Paul identified five groups of members to whom agape love needed to be extended, and he even stipulated how that love needed to be expressed.
The elders need your respect. The elders are identified as those who “labor among you” to the point of exhaustion, have charge “over you in the Lord,” and “admonish you” through instruction and correction (5:12). Church members are responsible to “know them” and to “esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake” (5:13, ASV). How are you doing with this?
The unruly need your admonishment. The word used for “unruly” is a military term that denotes members who are walking disorderly or out of step. Sometimes our brethren lose their way and walk in a direction contrary to the narrow path. Church members are responsible to “warn” them and try to get them back “into step” with God (5:14). How are you doing with this?
The fainthearted need your comfort. The word used for “fainthearted” literally means one who is “small-souled.” This is a brother or sister who is discouraged and maybe even ready to quit. Church members are responsible to “comfort” and “encourage” by coming alongside one who is disheartened and trying to lift his/her spirits. How are you doing with this?
The weak need your support. Some brethren are not as strong in their faith as others. In fact, some are described as spiritually “weak” (5:14). Perhaps these are new converts or even the young people in the church. Church members are responsible to “uphold,” “help” and “support” firmly those whose faith is vulnerable and unable to stand on its own. How are you doing with this?
All the brethren need your patience. The word for “patience” emphasizes one who is longsuffering and long-tempered. Church members are responsible for being “long in coming to anger” with “ALL” brethren, including (but not limited to) the elders, the unruly, the fainthearted and the weak. How are you doing with this?
God calls upon us to love another and to increase more and more in that heart of service toward our brethren! Which of these five needs your attention today?