Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

In today’s passage, we read of Paul’s letter to the church of the Thessalonians. In this letter, he pours out thanks to these believers for remaining so faithful while he was away. Paul celebrates the goodness of their hearts and how they have joyfully continued to be imitators of the Lord even as they were standing right in the middle of heavy persecution for their beliefs. The relationship between Paul and the believers of Thessalonica is such a sweet one. It is obvious that Paul’s heart is so full of pride and love for these people and how they have risen to the occasion. He begins to remind them of the coming of the Lord and urges them to remain faithful and consistent in pushing forward in their faith. He desires that they may continue to encourage and love one another as well as the leaders among them. 

This is when we get to today’s scripture. Paul urges these believers to be accountable for one another, to help and comfort one another, and to be patient in all things.

Paul continues the letter by pleading with them to remain in a state of praise, celebration, prayer, and thanksgiving. He warns them to avoid stifling the Spirit and to hold to what is good as they avoid all evil. 

Don’t stifle the Spirit. Wow, what a weighty charge.

This is where the letter really begins to take a turn. 

We see Paul go from blissfully celebrating the faithfulness of God’s people, to warning them of what is to come if they allow themselves to lose sight of the goal. Paul is so proud and thankful for what God has continued to do through them, but, at the same time, he knows that Satan waits for any weak moment to creep in and halt the goodness that has been pouring out of this group. He warns them because he loves them and his desire, matching the desire of the Father, is to see all of this goodness continue to progress. His warning is given to inspire them to keep their eyes open and to be aware. To keep each other accountable and to keep peace among them. To rejoice in what God has done. To give thanks with a grateful heart. Most importantly, he encourages them to pray continually. Paul does this because he knows that the relationship established through prayer is what will allow these believers to continue to move forward in their faith and to further the kingdom for God’s glory. 

The same is true for us. We, too, are always a target for the enemy. If we allow ourselves to let our guards down, to become complacent, to fail to maintain peace and accountability, or to lose our hearts of gratitude: this is when we then begin to stifle the Spirit. When we stifle the Spirit, we make room for the enemy to creep in and take hold of all that God is doing in our lives. Therefore, just as Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to remain in a constant posture of prayer, we are encouraged to do the same. 

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflections:

• In what ways have you found yourself to be stifling the Spirit in your own life or the lives of those around you? 
  
• Make time to reflect on your prayer life. Is it one that you feel is growing you in your faith, or is it stifling what the Lord is trying to do through you?
  
• Prayer: Dear God, I pray that you may keep my eyes open to the things that may hold you back from where you want me to be. Help me to remain faithful with a grateful heart. Help me to keep peace with those around me while also being accountable to other believers. I pray that I will not stifle the Spirit but instead that I may grow in the callings that you have placed on my life. I love you, Father, and I thank you for all that you are doing in my life. It is in your name I pray,  Amen.

Family Devo: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

By: Selena Rosetti

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.     

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset  

Head 

When someone treats you badly, how does 1 Thessalonians 5:15 guide you to respond in a way that would make God happy?  

Heart 

After reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what are some things God wants us to do every day?    

Hands 

How can we acknowledge and encourage someone we see working hard at what they do this week?   

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to always notice other people and how hard they work. Help me to be nice to them to encourage all that they are doing. I ask that You also help me to live my life in ways that make you happy and help me to always try to do what is right and good for everyone. Thank you for helping me and thank you for loving me. In Jesus name, I pray these things. Amen .