Acknowledge Individuality - Break the Differences

It is too common for us to be easily annoyed when things that surround us are not what we expect to see, hear, experience, and the like. When our family and loved ones are getting into addictions, when our work colleagues adds cause you more pressure and stress, when your community are not improving rather getting worse, and many more. We wish that it is better if they are not around or exist.

Paul in his encouragement to us in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 not to look at the weaknesses of the people around us. He says "12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labour among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,13 and to esteem them most highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all."

Our human instinct is to give the same of what we receive, as we ourselves wanting to act on behalf of the principle of sowing and reaping for others. We have already forgotten that this principle is a divine blessing and not a curse. That is why Paul reminds us not to pay evil back with evil. He wants everyone to extend helping hand to everyone who are in need, not only in material scarcity but mostly to those who are weak in flesh, in mind, in attitude, in character, and in spirit.

The next time we look at someone you really annoyed with, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and remind yourself that he is also a human like you and are equal. So that when you reopen your eyes, you will see a new creation whom Jesus also shed His blood for and has forgiven. Now, it is your chance to show kindness and share the same grace you received from God above!

God bless everyone!

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