November 28, 2022

Hello Advent Family,

Do you ever think about the significance of the final words of a conversation or letter?  That is usually the one thing that will stick with someone.  When Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians church he gives them a quick list of things to do.  Let’s look at his words in chapter 5 together today.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

It actually is almost comical as you can feel he is closing the letter and has a bunch of final thoughts he wants to leave them with.  It is interesting because he consistently commends the church for their love for one another and the surrounding world.  In the previous chapter he even says that he doesn’t need to remind them about their love because they do it so well.  Yet, when you really unpack this list of things they all come down to love.  Living at peace, encouraging, helping the weak, praying, giving thanks, rejoicing, they all stem from our love for each other and God.  That’s why Jesus’ great commandment is so brilliant.  Love God and love people.  That truly is what it all boils down to.  Love is why we are here, that’s my final word.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave


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