A call to loving action
Scripture: "We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." —1 Thessalonians 5:14
In this powerful verse from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, we find a call to action that resonates with LLUH's mission to “continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.” It captures the essence of Christ's teachings, to love God and love our neighbors, urging us to demonstrate love and compassion daily. A closer look into the wisdom contained within this verse reveals how we can apply it to our faith journey with the Lord and our work as healthcare professionals.
1. Admonish the Unruly:
As followers of Christ, we are called to support and correct one another in love. The unruly are those who act in ways that are contrary to God's Word and harmful to themselves and often times others. But rather than shunning or condemning them, we are called to gently counsel and guide them back to a right relationship with God and others. Let us approach this task humbly, remembering that we, too, are susceptible to sin. Doing so creates an atmosphere of restoration and grace.
2. Encourage the Fainthearted:
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we feel discouraged, weary, or unsure of our faith and ourselves. In those moments, we need fellow believers to uplift and encourage us. We are called to be a source of hope, strength, and inspiration for those whose hearts are heavy and broken. We can remind each other of God's faithfulness, promises, and endless possibilities in His love through our words, actions, and prayers. Let us extend a hand of compassion and symbolize hope in the lives of those struggling.
3. Help the Weak:
Our community and world are filled with people who are vulnerable, marginalized, and in need of our assistance. Our responsibility as believers is to extend a helping hand. This could be material support, emotional care, spiritual guidance, or clinical care. Jesus exemplified selflessness and compassion and calls us to follow in His footsteps. We alleviate their distress by reaching out to those in need and demonstrating Christ’s love.
4. Be Patient with Everyone:
Patience is a virtue that is often tested in our interactions with others. Each person we encounter has their own unique struggles, weaknesses, and growth journey. Therefore, we must approach them with patience and understanding. It is easy to become frustrated or judgmental, but the Lord calls us to extend grace and forbearance. By cultivating patience, we create an environment that fosters love, unity, and reconciliation. Remembering that God has been infinitely patient with us, we are invited to reflect His character in our dealings with others — students, co-workers, patients, family members, and strangers.
This verse is important for our Christian walk as co-workers with Christ in our LLUH community. It reminds us of our vital role in each other's lives and our responsibility to one another. May our actions reflect the love of our Savior and draw others closer to Him.
—Dilys Brooks, PhD, BCC, is campus chaplain for Loma Linda University.
