1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Introductory Thoughts

God comforts believers expecting that they, in turn, will extend that heaven-sent comfort toward others during their times of need. Believers are admonished to “comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, and be patient toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Stronger believers are encouraged to bear the infirmities of those who are weak (Romans 15:1). When one believer weeps as a result of the trials and troubles of this life, the body of Christ should weep with that brother or sister (Romans 12:15). Every member of the body of Christ should be available to the strengthening and support of other members of the body, for in doing so, believers fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Devotional thoughts

  • (For children): When we know people are hurting (physically or in their hearts), we should consider how they feel and help them if we can (1 Corinthians 12:26). Job did (Job 30:25; Job 29:15-16). Abraham knew what to do to comfort weary travelers (Genesis 18:1-5).
  • (For everyone): How can you comfort other believers? What trials has God helped you through? How can you take His help for you and offer it to others in need?
  • Who do you know that might be going through a difficult time? What could you do to comfort them? Have you been through that difficulty before, and if not, how could you still be a comforter?

Prayer Thoughts

  • Thank God for believers who have helped you.
  • Ask God to use “the Comforter” to make you a comforter.

 

SONG: BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

 

 

 

Quotes from the next volume

(VOLUME 4, WEEK 8)

Subject: Blame

In Christ, believers bear no guilty responsibility for sins they have committed. Instead, believers are viewed and accepted in the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 1:6).

The saints of God are positionally blameless in Christ, but practically, each believer must strive daily to “be blameless and harmless, . . . in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.”