There is a proverb that says ‘good things come in little packages’, which has often encouraged me since I’m not very tall! As a child, we tend to like the ‘big’ presents at Christmas; as adults, our presents tend to get smaller but cost even more! (Think of jewellery or computer equipment, for example…)
At the end of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives us several commandments: sentences that are direct and to the point, but which contain a host of vital information. These ‘final instructions’ contain a wealth of guidance and direction, each wrapped in little packages:
- Acknowledge those who work hard among you
- Hold them in the highest regard in love
- Warn those who are idle and disruptive
- Encourage the disheartened
- Help the weak
- Be patient with everyone
- Don’t pay back wrong for wrong
- Strive to do what is good for others
- Rejoice always
- Pray continually
- Give thanks in all circumstances
- Don’t quench the Spirit
- Don’t treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all
- Hold on to what is good
- Reject every kind of evil
Phew! That’s a lot of little packages to unpack and ponder!