Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 KJV
There will be a time when we have to face a situation that makes us uncomfortable.
We have to say something to someone that may not be received in an effective way.
We mean no harm but want to encourage them to change how they are doing things.
As living testimonies, we can truly tell them about how good it feels to acknowledge that we have made mistakes.
That they are not the only ones who needed to recognize their mistakes and change the path they are on.
Some will realize that they have the opportunity to confess their wrong,
They correct their ways and experience God’s forgiveness.
Unfortunately, there will be some that are stubborn.
They are not embarrassed about the way they conduct themselves.
They feel they have done nothing wrong.
They deny that they need God’s forgiveness.
This is not pleasing to our Father.
It angers Him.
He was even angry with the Israelites because they were not ashamed and did not blush (Jeremiah 6:15 KJV).
He wants every one of us to recognize what we are doing wrong and make the needed corrections.
Knowing that there may be a time when we have to separate from others.
We see in today’s Scripture, Paul has told us, “if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. (2 Thessalonians 3:14 KJV).
Our separation does not mean we never see them again.
We limit what we do with them.
We are doing this out of our concern for them, not as an enemy.
We continue to pray for them and show love.
Hoping they will recognize the error of their ways.
Hoping they will make the changes needed.
We all have moments when we have to take a step back.
To take the time to review how we are doing things.
To make the necessary changes in our lives.
Always praying.
Confessing to the Father of all our sins.
Asking for forgiveness.
Knowing that it will bring restoration.
It removes all reason for shame.
It brings about a greater fellowship with God and others.
The Lord is always with us while we are with Him.
That is why we need to hold on to His ways until the end.
Never giving over or tiring in our work.
There will be time enough to rest when we come to Heaven.
What a glorious rest that will be.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we all have a need to change our ways. Especially when they go against Your Word. We all can have a moment of shame. There will be those who will try to encourage us in our walk. Let us be receiving of what they say. We know, that just like You, they are doing it out of love. Because they care about our well-being. Thank You for always giving us the opportunity to change our ways.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen