1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

Have you ever been somewhere & had a random person is yelling at the crowd? We have one in Auburn. The worst part about it is she’s saying Scripture or something about God. However, no one listens. Most of those type people are yelling to folks about how wrong they are. Or about them going to hell. That's not how God intended to spread the Gospel.

Paul’s advice in these verses weren't things to be yelled out on a street corner. These things need to be talked about in the context of relationships. People fon’t want to take “advice” from someone they din’t know. It’s easy to get offended that way.

When you are in a friendship with someone, you have influence as well as the opportunity to tell your story. Then we can encourage them to not be lazy or afraid. Taking care of the weak & being patient with everyone CAN be done outside of a relationship. (That’s ministry too.)

Take driving for example in regards to patience. You being late isn’t someone else's problem because they are driving the speed limit. On the flip side of that, if you are the speed limit person, have patience & grace for the one who left late.

In the Old Testament, they used to think it was ok to pay people back for what they’d done. Jesus debunked & one up'd that! (See Matthew 5:38-39)

Remember that old saying, “Two wrongs don’t make a right?” That applies here. We need to ALWAYS try to do good to people regardless of how they treat us. We DO NOT have to endure abuse or be a door mat, by any means! Boundaries are good! But hurting people hurt people. They need prayer. God CAN change that mean person in your life. I’ve seen Him do it in mine!