The Gift of Leaning In (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)

What sort of people bug you? Who are the ones that really get under your skin?

I have some personality types that are more difficult for me than others. Maybe you do, too. For me, it's often when I see personality characteristics in others that I don't like about myself. For others, maybe it's when you meet someone who reminds you of someone who has wounded you in the past or who violates values you hold dearly.

How do we respond to people who we don't like? Do we ignore them, judge them, or dismiss them?

In this week's passage (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15), Paul challenges his readers to respond to difficult people in their church not with harshness but with grace, leaning in even when it is uncomfortable and extending patience through it all.

This Sunday we'll think through why such behavior is necessary for us as Christians, how we become people who can live like that, and the joy that can come from being in a community that functions this way.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15