The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 3:13-16, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!”

If we didn’t know about his previous life, we could hardly believe that the words spoken in the verses above came from the Apostle Paul. The first word we have of him in Scripture found him thoroughly opposed to the Christian faith! He was Jewish through and through, and had received Jewish authority to imprison and even kill those who professed faith in Jesus Christ.

Yet, now in this letter to the Thessalonian believers, Paul instructs them not to grow weary of doing good; but to be diligent in the work of the LORD Jesus Christ. He instructs Christians not to associate with those that disobey his instructions. Yet, at the same time, they are not to treat the disobedient as enemies, but to admonish them as Christian brothers.

We have a tendency to view and treat those who believe differently than we do, as if they were not born-again believers at all. Some indeed are not, but we should treat them lovingly and share the Gospel with them. It’s unbelieving people, who treat others with harshness. God loved us before we knew Him; shouldn’t we love others before they know Him, as well?

Paul then concludes his instruction by praying that the LORD will show His peace in every circumstance to those early Christians. He wants them to grow in their faith, making them pleasing to the LORD Jesus Christ. He wants that for you and me as well. Are we following His instructions in this? We had better, as this instruction originates with the LORD Himself.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom