Something that struck me in 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
v12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
v13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
v14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
v15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
v16 Be joyful always;
v17 pray continually;
v18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

admonish
1.to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
2.to reprove or scold, esp. in a mild and good-willed manner: The teacher admonished him about excessive noise.
3.to urge to a duty; remind: to admonish them about their obligations.

v12 says respect those who serve God faithfully in His ministry. And to respect those who are walking closer to God. It does not say age or name or race. It says ANYONE who is closer to God. Respect them, and listen for advice from them. Then you will also grow closer with the Lord.

v13-14 Love one another and be an encourager to your friends. However, i urge you to encourage them appropriately. Giving the wrong type of encouragement can be destructive to the person. Encourage him/her in the right way.

v15 Simple, do not bear grudges. Always forgive.

v16-18 Always pray and always give thanks to the Lord for EVERYTHING good or bad. For the Lord always give you the BEST!

God bless!