# 10 Dedication – commit oneself to a certain cause.
“I will never attend an anti-war
rally; if you have a peace rally, invite me.” Mother Teresa
Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those
who labor among you (recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and
appreciate and respect them all) – your leaders who are over you in the Lord
and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very
high and most affectionate esteem in (intelligent and sympathetic) appreciation
of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we earnestly beseech you,
brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line (the
loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly; encourage the timid and fainthearted,
help and give your support to the weak souls, (and) be very patient with everybody
(always keeping your temper) I
Thessalonians 5:12-14 AMP
In the Old Testament of the bible, war was necessary
to conquer territories, protect kingdoms, and for the right to worship
God. It was not just to create conflict;
there was always a necessary reason.
Conflict is not something we want to engage in for
attention, our own selfish needs, or because someone made us angry. When we
start acting out of anger towards anything, we create danger.
So to keep peace, we have to be a peacemaker. How
does that look, you ask? Well read the Gospels where Jesus went about doing
good; healing the sick, the lame, the afflicted. He also ate and talked with
despised Samaritans, tax collectors and criminals ~ those who were deceitful
and unkind.
Yet, His kindness turned their wayward ways into
believers of how their lives could generate positive effects that will want
people coming back for more. So it’s not easy being angry, it’s actually
demeaning and life threatening. So infect others with kindness and trust, so
you too can be trusted.
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