Tit-for-Tat

A man wrote on his critic of an employee that she would not let go of the old ways to adjust to the needs of business. The man did not write his name on his review nor give any examples from which she could learn. The woman figured out who wrote the review by the process of elimination. She said to her friend, " this comes from a man who does not have a computer or e-mail!"

Our natural tendency is to strike back when someone hurts us. A person points out our fault. We want to point out his faults. If a person gossips about us, we tend to gossip about her. We create a tit-for-tat culture which produces an endless circle of sin for others as well as for ourselves.

Scripture tells us "See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Do not allow other people's behavior to control your behavior. Base your responses on God's word leaning on his Holy Spirit. We may need to confront, but we never need to lash out.

Rubbed The Wrong Way

Some people rub us the wrong way. Our personalities are like opposite poles of a magnet. In high school, one of my sister's friends told me she did not like me. She was not mean about it. She simply wanted me to stop trying to be her friend because my quirks were driving her up the wall. I was surprised and hurt but could understand her frustration. I never forgot that experience. It taught me to be aware of other people's likes and needs.

I am not advising we use tell people we don't like them, though I am sure many of us would like to say that sometime. Scripture tells us to be patient with all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14). That means people we do not take a shine to as well as those with whom we are comfortable.



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The Weak

When many things seem to go wrong over a length of time, we can begin to struggle in our faith. It feels like the trial(s) will never come to an end. Scripture is a wonderful source of comfort and encouragement, but we also need help that comes from our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul writes, "encourage the faint hearted, support the weak" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). I remember the many times i struggled with faith. Those special people who loved me encouraged me, sometimes through memories of their own, sometimes through scripture, but most often by listening and praying.

God has brought the person who is struggling across your path, not to condemn or judge, but to come along side as one who expresses God's love.

Distinct Directions for Peace

From now till the end of his letter, Paul writes short distinct directions on how to live a Christian life. If we follow these instructions closely, we will be living at peace in our hearts.

He continues with the theme of living in peace among yourselves when he instructs us to "warn the unruly..."(1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Our tendency may be to avoid confronting those who are causing trouble. Confronting them feels like we are stirring the pot. Individuals who are unruly invariably strike out against anyone who apposes them, and we do not want to be the brunt of his or her anger. But we must warn the rebellious of the danger in their behavior.

Strife is a sign of transgression (Proverbs 17:19)
Strife is listed with idolatry, witchcraft, adultery, murders, and envy (Galatians 5:19-21)
Strife is earthly, sensual and satanic in nature (James 3:14-16)