“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).
Introduction
Paul mentions six areas of church discipline in this text. Notice that the guidance is not only for those in leadership but for the whole congregation too. Each member of the church is responsible for making sure that misguided believers, false teaching, misconduct and strife do not get a foothold in the fellowship.
Warn the unruly
The word “warn” was translated “admonish” in 5:12, but here it suggests a reprimand for those who step out of line, because “unruly” refers to a soldier who does not keep in step with his comrades. Therefore Paul has in mind those whose conduct brings dishonour on the name of Christ and His church. Our aim is to see the inconsistent and wayward changing their ways as they live by the principles of God’s word. The early church had their fair share of disorderly and unruly followers too.
Comfort the feebleminded
This can be translated as “comfort the fainthearted”, therefore does not mean those whose brains are not working as they should, but those who quickly become discouraged when persecution, problems and other difficulties arise. This kind of comfort is also found in John 11:19, “And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.” “Literally, them of little soul; such as have no spiritual courage” (John Wesley). We might want to see “bravehearts” in the church, but more often than not we will encounter the fainthearted instead. Some are emotionally weak because of the distress of losing a loved one, especially if they died not knowing Christ as Saviour.
Support the weak
This probably refers to both the spiritually and morally weak. The word “support” here has the idea of holding on to something for dear life. While we want to see church members strong and going on with the Lord, we should not ignore the fact that many have difficulty dealing with their way of life, sin and emotional hang-ups. We might be quick to judge and condemn such people, but we ought to be even quicker in upholding them. “Labouring ye ought to support the weak” (Acts 20:35). “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Hebrews 12:12). “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations” (Romans 14:1).
Patient toward all men
This is having self-restraint in the face of provocation and insult. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). There is a great need for patience when dealing with people, especially those who persist in doing their own thing and going their own way. They may exasperate us, but we must continue urging them on in the Lord. This type of patience has in mind restoration and reconciliation rather than retaliation and rejection for the one going astray. “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Render no evil
When someone gossips, spreads false rumours or offends us, we automatically think up ways to get our own back. Retaliation only furthers the devil’s work in destroying peace and unity. The cycle of evil is easily broken when we decide to do good rather than take up verbal arms against others. “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth” (Proverbs 26:20). Romans 12:17-21 says, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” No wonder so many miss out on the blessings of God in their lives. “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). Why? Because they that spread evil do not know God. “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John :11). Revenge is the very opposite to Christian love. “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18).
Follow that which is good
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Our pursuit in life must be for the good of all. This had been the Christian ethic for centuries until the church started accepting the false, comfortable and sugar-coated teachings of the so-called Faith and Prosperity Movement. Before then Christianity was responsible for changing nations, societies and individual lives. Almost every act of good, be it education, medicine, finance and humanitarianism came about because believers in responsible positions brought in radical change for the better. Where is the goodness in politics, religion and society today? If we want the world to follow the good, then we must practice what we preach. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" (Edmund Burke).
Conclusion
We have to live together in the church, and this involves us getting along with one another. A church that has these six elements will be healthy, united and productive. Church discipline is vital if we are going to steadfastly resist Satan and point a fallen world to Christ. “We must have consideration of every man, and the remedy must be applied according to the disease” (Geneva Study Bible.”
© 9/6/2008