BE STRONG!

Sunday, February 10, 2019

BE STRONG!

1 Cor 16:13-14

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14 Let all your things be done with charity.

           The last thing a grieving person wants – and perhaps the first thing he or she needs – is to be told to “bear up courageously.” Grief can reduce the strongest person to a sniffling child. When you face circumstances which are far beyond your control, you are left with two choices. One is to allow yourself to be defeated by it and the other is to “man up.”

           Paul had just addressed division and strife in the church. Inserted in the midst of this was the simple advice in our text above. In times of stress we need to “post a guard.” Satan attacks us at our weakest. Adam Clarke offers this list of things to watch for.

1. Watch against evil;

2. Watch for opportunities to receive good;

3. Watch for opportunities to do good;

4. Watch over each other in love;

5. Watch, that none may draw you aside from the belief and unity of the Gospel.

6.  Stand fast [take and immovable position] regarding your faith. In times of grief and stress do not abandon your convictions. Keep your ranks!

7.  “Act manly!” Put yourself and your feelings aside and deal with the issues. Once the guns are silent and the smoke clears there will be time enough to cry and wash your wounds.

           Finally, do everything with charity – agapao! When we are stressed or hurting it is easy to become a curmudgeon – a bad tempered old grump. Others are hurting as well. Help all you can. It will actually make you feel better.

Gal 6:10

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Dear Lord, you know the hurt we all carry and the duties before us. Give strength to the weak, resolve to those who want to retreat, and love in all we do. AMEN