“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” (1Thessalonians 5:14-15 NIV)
The day dawns hot or cold. Wet or dry. Cloudy or sunny. But it dawns with possibilities, opportunities and probabilities. All around us there are people who need our urgings. Some are tired. Some are not sure of themselves. Some are down and out. Some are depressed. They all need our urgings. Urge them to look up!
Now sometimes we run into those who are lazy and disorderly. These need our love and kindness too. Yet, our urgings must be of a different sort. We urge these lazy, disorderly fellows with warnings of the consequences of their continued laziness and disorderly conduct.
And from to time we all get discouraged about something important to us. In many cases, the circumstances seem insurmountable and rather than speak to Circumstance Mountain to be cast into the sea, we become discouraged. That’s when we need a friend to come by with an encouraging word. So look around you today. Take note of other people. Urge those around you with encouraging words of possibility. “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
Some of the more difficult urgings we do is with people who have physical afflictions . . . illness and disease. In my work as a pastor I deal with illness and medical issues and elderly aches and pains constantly. When illness strikes or age takes it’s toll life becomes a heavy burden. It is amazing to me how that people get down on themselves for being ill or old. But occasionally, I visit a hospital room or an elder saint and am surprised by the faith and confidence of those I am visiting. And that urges me to new heights of faith.
In every situation, with every person and their individual circumstance, Paul urges us “to be kind to each other and everyone else.” Now this is a wise urging. We may have a difficult time understanding why we have our own difficulties, but they are to help us urge others forward when they have theirs.
Dear Father, thank you for the urgings of your Word. Empower us with faith and confidence that we might urge others to trust you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in your urgings,