1 Thessalonians 5:15-24
"15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
These are the final instructions Paul gave to the church in Thessalonica in his first letter written to them. These instructions outline how to live righteously - by not harboring vengeful thoughts, by continuously praying and bringing God into our everyday actions, by not quenching the Spirit and instead starving the flesh. We follow these instructions not to obtain righteousness but we do it because Jesus has gifted us righteousness. As followers of Christ, remember you aren't fighting to gain anything, your salvation was paid for and gifted to you and now we live transformed because of that gift.
Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Prayer for this week:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your overflow of love and grace. Thank You that I don't have to climb to get to You, but You came down for me. I declare that I will not conform to the ways of the world, and I will continuously be transformed by the renewal of my mind. Please sanctify my heart and my soul for Your glory. I love You for who You are and what You've done, and I am eternally grateful. In Jesus name, Amen.
Song for the week:
Be At Home - Sondae