1 Thessalonians 5:14 14And we urge you, brothers [and sisters], warn the disobedient, cheer up the discouraged, help the sick, be patient with everyone.
Paul continues his exhortations with a series of imperative verbs. He refocuses the Thessalonians attention the direct address of brothers [and sisters]. Paul is addressing the church as a whole. These are actions that everyone in the church can do though some will be the position of more influence, such as the leaders. First, they are to warn the disobedient. This warning has the purpose of instructing those who are out of step to improve and get back in line. There is no specific words the church should use, but this letters and Scripture as a whole has many warnings about sin, spiritual and physical laziness, and being deceived. Paul has already told them to be awake and alert.
Second, they should cheer up the discouraged. Many things can cause us to be discouraged or lose heart. Life has constant ups and downs. None of us can avoid discouragement, which is why we need one another. At any given time, there will be people discouraged in our church. We can ask God to develop within us sensitive hearts to see this. People may be good at hiding this and may float in and out of large meetings and no one knows their sorrows. It takes intentionality and strategy for a church to care for its members and to discern the discouraged.
Third, they should help the sick. Jesus commanded his disciples to care for the sick, as he demonstrated throughout his ministry (Matthew 25:36, 43). Sick (athenōn) can also mean weak. Paul is basically telling the Thessalonians to look out for those who cannot care for themselves and need outside help. This might include those physically sick or the older members or those with disabilities. No one in the church should be left alone and without help.
Fourth, they should be patient with everyone. Patience is a necessary response to bring healing to many hurts and pains. All of the previous three activities will require patience. Patience literally means “long” (makro) “suffering” (thymeite), bearing with others and suffering with them until they find relief or healing from their situation.
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