1 Thessalonians 5:14

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

And we urge you, brothers, to warn those who are idle [Note: The word “idle” originally meant, “insubordinate, or unruly.” See II Thess. 3:6-7, 11], encourage those who are timid, help the [spiritually] weak and be patient with everyone.

Cross References

Matthew 12:20

He will not [even] break a wilted stalk or put out a smoldering [lamp] wick until He exercises judgment [upon mankind through the Gospel] in order to bring about victory [i.e., in people’s lives].

Luke 22:32

But I prayed earnestly for you, that your faith would not fail [to be strong]. And when you have turned back [i.e., from going astray briefly], provide [spiritual] support to your brothers.”

Acts 20:27

For I held nothing back in declaring to you the entire message of God.

Acts 20:31

So, be very watchful, and remember that for three years I never stopped warning every one of you [about such matters] both night and day with tears [in my eyes].

Acts 20:35

I have demonstrated before you a [good] example in all [these] things, so that you [too] will work hard to help those who are [physically] weak. [Also] remember the words of the Lord Jesus who Himself said, ‘It is a greater blessing [for you] to give [to people's needs] than to receive [help yourselves].’”

Romans 12:1

So, I urge you, brothers, because God is so merciful [to us], to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, [fully] dedicated and very pleasing to God. For this is a reasonable [or spiritual] way for you to worship [or serve] Him.

Romans 14:1

But you should welcome [into your fellowship] the person whose faith is weak, and not argue [with him] over questionable matters.

1 Corinthians 4:14

I am not writing this to shame you but to warn you, as my dearly loved children.

1 Corinthians 8:7

However, not every person knows this [truth]. For some people have been so used to an idol all this time that they still think of the idol [as a reality] when eating food that has been sacrificed to it. And their weak conscience becomes polluted. [Note: These people cannot seem to shake off the idea that somehow the idol is real, so feel guilty of wrongdoing when eating food sacrificed to it].

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

Ephesians 4:2

Live in a humble, gentle and patient way, showing tolerance [for the weaknesses] of one another out of love [for them].

Ephesians 4:32

and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.

Colossians 1:28

We proclaim Him, warning and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person [to God] complete in [their fellowship with] Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:15

And yet do not consider him to be an enemy, but warn him as [you would] a [Christian] brother.

1 Timothy 3:3

[He must] not be a drunkard or a fighter, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means.

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, man of God, run from these things [See verses 3-10], and pursue right living and godliness, having faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the [Gospel] message; be prepared [to do it both] when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient; reprove [i.e., convince people of their wrongdoing], rebuke [i.e., convict people of their sin], and exhort [i.e., urge people to act], with great patience and teaching.

Titus 1:10

For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people.

Titus 1:6

[An elder must] not be guilty of just blame, [he must be] the husband of one wife, whose children are believers [Note: The word for “believers” may also be translated “faithful ones” or “trustworthy ones”], who have a reputation for not being wild or disobedient.

Hebrews 12:12

Therefore, [Prov. 4:26 says], “Strengthen your limp hands and weak knees;

Hebrews 13:3

Remember [to pray for and help] those who are in prison, as though you [yourselves] were in prison with them. [Remember] those who are being mistreated, realizing that you [yourselves] also share [with them] a physical body [i.e., you are subject to the same kind of trials].