“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

One thing is certain about our Christian lives. We don’t live in isolation from each other. Just a glance at the “one another” Scriptures in the New Testament is proof enough that we are not only joined to Jesus by our faith but we are connected with one another. Loving warnings, encouragement, help and patience are to be healthy experiences from which each of us profits. I have experienced each of these and they have done me good!

It occurs to me that you can’t act on this Scripture without knowing what is happening in someone else’s life. It is important to recognize the right time and place for loving, helpful input into someone else’s life. We are living out this faith walk together and we do it best when we are in touch with others.

Just as I have needed the occasional warning, the regular encouragement, the frequent help and the patience from others, it’s important that I love them enough to pass along what I have received. That’s what Jesus has offered me; it’s what others have graciously provided and it’s what my love can do for my fellow believers.