by Tammy Phillips
April 7, 2025
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV)
I was recently reading through the exhortations in 1 Thessalonians 5. When I reached verse fourteen, I came to a sudden, unexpected stop. The words hit me like a ton of bricks
1. Warn those who are unruly, out of order, those deviating from the prescribed rule of order. You know-the ones that are out of line. (CHECK, I got this!)
2. Comfort the fainthearted, feeble minded, those short of the breath of life and struggling with life. Check! I got this one)
3. Uphold the weak, feeble, sick, the ones who are not strong to stand on their own. (Check! No problem.)
4. Be patient with all. (Do you hear the sound of my screeching brakes?)
Being patient with everyone is a BIG request. Right? I read 1 Thessalonians 5:14, again. I laughed loud at the last part and in my head voice said, “I can’t do that!”
To be patient is to be of a long spirit. It means do not lose heart, persevere, to bravely endure misfortunes and troubles and to bear the offenses and injuries of others without breaking.
We are to be patient with EVERYONE?
• We are to be patient with crazy drivers on the road?
• We are to be patient with the ones who lie to our face?
• We are to be patient with the company who takes over two weeks to repair the hot water heater because they never ordered the part to fix it?
• We are to be patient with the invited guests who do not RSVP to any given event?
• We are to be patient with our kids who ignore us?
• We are to be patient with our parents who ask us the same thing five times in one conversation?
As Christ Followers, we are to be patient with EVERYONE? Yep, that is what my Bible says! How about yours?
At first, the precept sounded like bad news. Being patient with all requires self-control, discipline and a willingness to crucify our flesh. However, as I read a little further that day, I discovered some good news!
“He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.” (1Th 5:24 CSB)
He has called us! He is faithful! He will do it. He will empower us to be patient with all! When we say, “I CANNOT,” He says, “YOU CAN DO ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!
I enCOURAGE you to be patient with everyone! Lord, have mercy, please! (I wonder how many tests willl come along with this post?)
Complete in Him 