Warn, Comfort, Support, and Be Patient!

1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

We have before us another tough verse pertaining to our Christian walk. The Apostle is back to exhorting us to be the best we can be. He gives us a check list, that warns us how we are to conduct ourselves around people in general and especially around other Christians.

Let's look closer into these exhortations!

Warn them that are unruly.

I love to look up the definitions of words, I discover that they can have many variances in the strength of their meanings.

The word unruly has a number of synonyms; Ungovernable, Intractable, Refractory, Recalcitrant, Willful, Headstrong.

I think everyone can think of that person in our life that falls within one or more of these words. There are always those who are ungovernable, incapable of controlling themselves. Those who are Intractable, stubbornly resisting guidance. Those who are refractory,resisting to be molded into the things of God. Those who are recalcitrant, determined to defy authority. Those who are willful, determined to have their own way, and those who are headstrong, not patient in showing restraint, or taking advise or suggestions.

Comfort the feebleminded.

The word feebleminded also has a number of synonyms; Irresolute, Vacillating, Foolish, and Stupid.

Irresolute: uncertain how to act or proceed. Vacillating: to waiver in mind, will or feeling, hesitating in choice of opinions or course of action. Foolish: lacking in sense, judgment, or discretion. Stupid: slow of mind, given to unintelligent decisions or acts.

Support the weak.

The word weak has the following meaning; Weak, resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment, not able to withstand temptation or persuasion.

Be patient toward all men.

The word patient as found in the part of the verse, gives me the most problem. I am not very patient, not tolerating easily other people who do not act the way I wish them to act. The word patient, has the following meaning:

manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain. steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.

May God grant us the ability to obey this verse!