Be at
peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the others, encourage the
fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.
"I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand!"
shouted Charlie Brown. I think of this quote many times when people disappoint or
frustrate me. I do believe that humanity is basically good and that everyone is struggling
to do the best they can, but in day to day living, people can really get to be a problem.
The relationship issues we face today are no different from the issues
faced by Christians in Paul’s day. This letter written by Paul to the Thessalonians
closes with words that apply to our relationships. "Live in peace with each
other… always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."
What is interesting about Paul’s call is that we are to be
lovingly involved in all our relationships, to "encourage the timid, help the weak,
be patient with everyone." We are called to reach out to the ones who are quiet,
withdrawn, unassertive, unassuming, and hidden in our lives. To reach out and be a friend
to those who don’t have friends. To risk being involved, to offer encouragement,
help, and patience.
Paul’s words are a true challenge to our community lives. His
words are not pie-in-the-sky spiritual ideals. Rather, Paul recognizes that this way of
living in relationship with other people can occur only as a faith response. The
Christian’s response to others is a reflection of faith, the knowing of what Christ
has already done for us. This is what gives us as Christians the ability to forgive and
the ability to reach out. This is the source of the Christian’s joy and way of
relating to others
Our lives and our thoughts focus on Jesus and what he has already done
for us. This faith gives us the courage and the strength to love all those with whom we
live in community.
Almighty God, empower us to be joyful always, to pray
continually, and to give you thanks and praise for all our relationships. Amen.
Lynn Schriever
