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Verse 14: "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."

    ~   We are to admonish and encourage those who are "luke warm" in their service. We should be a source of comfort to those who cannot understand the Gospel, and we are to be patient with those who repeatedly offend, criticize, and test our faith. In essence, we are to love and treat others as Jesus loves and treats us. I am so glad he is patient and kind with me.

Verses 15 -- 21 focus more on the personal attitude of those who are called to be children of light.

Verse 15: "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men." 

~ Don’t seek revenge. Instead do good to those that persecute. God will even the books in due time.

Verse 16 and 17: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing."

~Our hearts should always be praising God, thanking him for his love; and we should be communicating with the Father constantly. We should feel comfortable whispering a prayer of need or of praise wherever we are. Remember, the Holy Spirit is within us, we can talk with him

anytime. I find myself asking for his help most frequently at work. I also thank Him when answers my plea.

Verse 18; "In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~Do not take for granted what God has done in us and through us. We only operate through his power. Be very thankful for access to that mercy and grace which he provides.

Verse 19: "Quench not the Spirit." 

~ We quench the spirit when we fail to remember our position with God. We approach the throne of grace in humility and reverence. Also, unconfessed sin in our lives quenches the ability to hear and understand the Holy Spirit.

Verse 20 and 21: "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good".

~We aren’t to despise and ridicule those who don’t preach exactly as we do. We can judge their words against the truth of the Bible. We can offer to share what we know is doctrinally true. We should let the scriptures be our standard and flee from those words and actions that are against the Word. Ask God for discernment and understanding to do that which is  good. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do? Would he get involved in this?"

As you can see, it takes discipline and hard work to shine your light. It also takes a great deal of love. John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you."

 The darker the world becomes, the brighter we should shine.  Many Christians become tired and defeated. Their light is dimmed because they have lost sight of the promise. They focus on the war instead of the Warrior. They focus on what might happen instead of the promises of what will happen. They are not leaning on the comfort of being a child of light.

The Comfort

Children of light have a source of comfort and joy that others cannot know. We should not be discouraged nor dismayed by circumstances. Today’s events are of no surprise to our Lord. He knew that we would have times of fear. That is why there are so many promises and words of comfort throughout the scriptures. Not only we as Christian women, but all believers can smile in the face of trials because our light has overcome the darkness of this world.

"Fear not" are comforting words in themselves, especially when spoken by our Lord.

Let the following scriptures speak to your soul specifically about fear and comfort.

In Deuteronomy 31: 6, God tells Joshua..."Be strong and a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 43:1 "But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob; and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

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