Paul always does something interesting at the end of his letters.  He spends a lot of time in his letters discussing theology or questions that the churches have asked him about.

He combats heresy or deals with problems or sometimes even encourages.

But at the end of his letters, quite often, he ends with useful words.

Just practical words of wisdom that can be applied to one’s life. They aren’t supper complicated. The don’t deal with great mysteries. They are simply words that can apply to our lives right now, and be of great worth to how we live.

Listen to what Paul writes at the end of 1 Thessalonians:

12 But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; 13 esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. 15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.

Just good, simple stuff that will make our lives better as well as the lives of those all around us.

Today, Paul tells us to respect one another, esteem those that work among us.  Be peaceful. Don’t be lazy (a personal favorite of mine!). Encourage the faint and the weak.

And, be patient with others.  Perhaps the hardest.

Paul encourages to help make the world a better place, help folks become the best they can.  Encourage when we need, speak when we need, care when we need.

But, in all, be patient.

Be aware of your weakness and your sin, and when you are aware of your weakness and your sin, you will be more loving towards others in their weakness and sin.

These words are not complicated. They are just sometimes hard to do.

But, in living a life as put forth by Paul today, I guarantee we will find more life than we will find anywhere else.

Today, may we put these useful words to practice.