1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12

and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

TO PONDER

Although we are saved by Christ and have the Holy Spirit in us, Christians can still act unlovingly towards others. We may fall back into old habits of gossiping, laziness, drama, and ungratefulness. Instead of being a reflection of Christ's light, we show our human weaknesses in how we treat each other.

This passage from Paul's first letter to the fledgling church in Thessalonica reminds us of how we should live as a functional family of God. Paul writes that we should live quietly and avoid unnecessary drama, mind our own affairs, and work with our hands. Seeking help is okay, but we should not burden others unfairly. Doing so is not loving and does not show God's grace. From the Gospel of John we read:

"Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35).

Let us live as the functional family of God, loving one another as Christ loves us. Let us be graceful, patient, diligent, united in one body through the washing of Word and Water, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God our Father, and Christ our older brother.  

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me to live as a child in your functional family. Help me to treat others with love, grace, and patience, and to work diligently with the talents and gifts I have received from my Heavenly Father. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Today's devotion written by Anthony Fawcett, St. Paul's Sydney & on loan to LifeWay Westside