Devotion - Tuesday, December 11

The first letter written by St. Paul is Thessalonians.  He wrote this in 50 a.d.  His next letter is three years later (Galatians).  There is a simplicity in Thessalonians which should not be overlooked.  

His ending to the letter is the prefect, practical advice for those seeking to life the way of Christ.  I share these words with you, encouraging you to read them slowly, and to pick out one phrase for your day.  (I will bold the one which I most want to keep in my heart today.)

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labour among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

I Thessalonians 5:12-19

God's blessings on your day.