Paul’s final chapter to the disciples of Thessalonica offers his instructions on Christian living.  My favorite verses are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  I especially like the “Rejoice always!”  I added the exclamation mark, how can you not rejoice to be alive this day with the opportunities you have been given?  Actually, this letter of Paul reminds me of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  How to be a Christian, Paul to the Thessalonians:

Rejoice always
Pray continually
Give Thanks
Encourage one another
Do what is good for each other
Be patient with everyone
Live in peace

I kind of picked the positives out, but Paul also had a list of things not to do (do not quench the Spirit, do not treat prophecies with contempt, warn those who are idle and disruptive, don’t pay back wrong for wrong).  Paul’s instructions couldn’t be easier to understand, but his instructions are not necessarily easy to follow in our daily lives.

Prayer

Dear Lord, be with us in our daily lives as we work towards living a life of faith and grace.  Remind us that it is through our relations and communication with others that our faith lives. Amen.