BE GRACIOUS

BE GRACIOUS

I Thess. 5:14  Brothers and sisters, we urge you to those who are lazy.  Encourage those who are timid.  Take tender care of those who are weak.  Be patient with everyone.  NLT

       Do you know any lazy Christians?  If so, you need to warn them to change their ways.  How we live affects our witness.  A lazy Christian dishonors Christ.  We should be leading the way on how to live productive lives.  A lazy person generally is a vulnerable person.  Their slothfulness carries over into their spiritual lives.  You cannot stay connected to Christ by being lazy.  It takes diligent work to stay on track with the Lord.  It requires of us sacrifices of time and energy.  If you, or anyone you know who professes to know Christ, is lazy, in love warn them before it is too late.

       Do you know any timid Christians?  Encourage them to step out of their comfort zone.  Praise them for the good things they do.  Encourage them to just simply tell others what Jesus has done for them.  Remind them that they don't have to be a scholar in order to have a story to tell.  They don't even have to know the Bible well if they know Jesus well.

       Do you know any hurting or needy Christians?  Treat them with tender care.  Show them the love of Jesus.  Come alongside of them and just be a caring friend.  Everyone needs to know that someone truly loves them and wants to help them when they are weak.

        Dear friend, just be patient with everyone.  Be gracious.  Don't expect more from people than what they are able to do.  Give people some slack.  Be gracious, kind and understanding as people grow in grace, even as Christ is towards you.