St. Paul's Seven Points to Practice

1 Thessalonians 5:15-23 (GNT): St. Paul's Seven Points to Practice

[A]t all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people. Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. . . . Put all things to the test: keep what is good and avoid every kind of evil.

Paul established an early Christian community, mainly comprised of Gentiles, in the city of Thessalonica. The neighboring Jewish population, however, became jealous of Paul’s preaching, and, opposing the Christian message, they persecuted the community. Timothy, Paul’s good friend and fellow evangelizer, sent a letter to Paul explaining the unshakable faith of these persecuted Thessalonians. Paul was moved, and as a result penned this letter, which is considered one of the oldest documents in the New Testament. In it, Paul both encourages and thanks the fledgling Christian community for their steadfast faith. In the section above, Paul wraps up his letter with a message of love and encouragement. And he gives great advice. Let’s break it down:

1. Always do good to all people.
2. Always be a joy-filled people.
3. Be a prayerful people at all times.
4. Express thanks in all circumstances.
5. Test all things first to see if they are good or evil.
6. Embrace the good.
7. Avoid evil in all of its forms.

These seven ideas are easy to understand and universal. They apply to first-century Christians, and they apply to us today. Which do we embrace? More importantly, which do we fail to practice in our lives? Through St. Paul, God calls each of us to be more joyous, prayerful, thankful, discerning, and charitable to others.

I lift my heart up to you, Lord, to thank you for the blessings you shower on me each day. I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul. Help me to prepare my heart to be open and able to receive your immense love. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. (Adapted from “One Prayer a Day for Advent”)

Have a Blessed Week!

Stan