Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15.

 

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.  Live in peace with one another.  We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”  1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. 

 

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Today’s Scripture continues the recent series of “one another” conclusions.  In this chapter, we are instructed to “encourage one another”, “build up one another”, “Live in peace with one another”, and “always seek after that which is good for one another”.

 

Today’s conclusion, “always seek after that which is good for one another”, is a good summary of these other conclusions.  It is also a good summary of the detailed instructions in today’s Scripture.  “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  Galatians 6:10. 

 

How are we able to so do good to all people as we should?  Where is God’s help?  

 

First, let us realize how much God desires and delights in such behavior toward “one another”. 

 

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Coming down upon the beard,
Even Aaron’s beard,
Coming down upon the edge of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing— life forever.”  Psalm Chapter 133.

 

Second, because God desires it so much, we can better understand God’s will for His church, Christ’s body, to so get along with one another and do good to one another, and we can better understand His abundant provisions to enable it.

 

Third, God the Spirit produces the fruit of “goodness” in us.  Galatians 6:22.  In addition, God gives us spiritual gifts and works within us “for the common good”.  “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7.  We will also get along with one another and do good to one another, because God “… has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”  1 Corinthians 12:18. 

 

In conclusion, we may sometimes think that we have been randomly thrown in a room of strangers and left to ourselves to get along and do good to strangers while God watches us with his arms folded.  But, now we can better see God behind the scenes putting us together exactly as He wants, giving us spiritual gifts to help those next to us in the best possible way, working within us “for the common good”, and pouring the sweet Holy Spirit over us like oil flowing down Aaron’s beard.  “It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;  For there the Lord commanded the blessing— life forever.”  Psalm Chapter 133:3.