1 Thessalonians 5:13
13 And [kai] to esteem [hegeomai] them [autos] very [huper] highly [ek] [perissos] in [en] love [agape] for [dia] their [autos] work's sake. [ergon] And be at peace [eireneuo] among [en] yourselves. [heautou] KJV-Interlinear
13 and that you esteem them very
highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. NASB
To esteem, means to
respect, regard, appreciate, to prize as in hold dear as you would prize something
of value.
In love, is agape,
which is the content of the scriptures, the principles, mandates and such by
which you are to live your life.Your
respect for others is viewed through the framework that Bible doctrine provides
us, for life.
Because of their works
sake, means the function that each person has in life, as defined by God. Whether they function properly in life, or not,
is irrelevant.God has given each and
every person in life, a function.Some
pursue their spiritual life and they function within the framework of Gods plan
with near perfection.
Most folks ignore God,
Christ, doctrine, and their spiritual lives, and they do not function as God
had intended for them, with respect their own personal lives,
however they may still function within the framework of their occupation.
For example, and doctor
may be a spiritual jerk or a greedy, selfish and self centered person, but he
still functions as a doctor.Gods objective for him was for him to advance in his
spiritual life, but he still can function as a doctor and help others even if
he is greedy and over priced and so forth.
The same principle can
be applied to nearly every person in this world. How many are honest and hard working and
unselfish people?Not many. But whether politicians, celebrities, or just
common folk, Gods objective is for all to have complete lives. Their failure, does
not negate Gods plan or design, in any way.
Nor, should the failure
of people in this world, cause you to be discontented or disillusioned about
life.God defined roles for everyone
across the entire planet.God is pretty
smart.And even knowing that most would
reject Him, His plan for life and history still functions with total
perfection.
So, your respect should
approach awe, that someone (God), is able to put
together such a highly detailed and complex plan for humanity even in the face
of overwhelming opposition to Him.And
through that respect for Gods provision, your respect (understanding), should extent
to each and every person, with regard to their role in life, whether they
realize it or not.
Then with this
understanding, with your advancement in your own spiritual life, with the
development of wisdom which you develop from your growth, then you begin to see
and understand just how life all fits together, and knowing that God is still
in command. That is peace,
or a relaxed mental state for yourself, despite the world chaos.
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