Christian Qualities

Our Sunday School lesson this week comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
This is a great passage for anyone and any church to read. Some instructions that come from this passage:
a. v.11- Build each other up. Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her.
b. v.12 - Respect leaders. Look for ways to cooperate. Highest regard. Hold back your next critical comment about those in positions of responsibility. Say "thank you" to your leaders for their efforts.
c. v.13 - Live in peace. Search for ways to get along with others.
d. v.14 - Warn the idle. Challenge someone to join you in a project.
e. v.14 - Encourage the timid. Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God's promises.
f. v.14 - Help the weak. Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them.
g. v.14 - Be patient. Think of a situation that tries your patience and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.
h. v.15 - Resist revenge. Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.
i. v.16 - Be joyful Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.
j. v.17 - Pray continually. God is always with you - talk to him.
k. v.18 - Give thanks. Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.
l. v.19 - Do not put out the Spirit's fire. Cooperate with the Spirit the next time he prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.
m. v.20 - Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Receive God's word from those who speak for him.
n. v.22 - Avoid every kind of evil. Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation.
o. v.23- Count on God's constant help. Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God's power.

So... How are we as Christians to live?
This week's lesson gives some great advice!

One way to take this lesson is that we could have the church of the Pharisees (which is fair to say you see)
"Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." - LK 11:46
Or we could have the church as Jesus taught it should be (as encouraged by Paul the former Pharisee)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - JN 13:34-35How do I live my Christian Life ... How does my life affect others around me?

What would church be like if everyone followed these rules:
respect those who work hard among you encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances Do not put out the Spirit's fire.