Preach the word, be ready to serve God in good times and bad, correct people’s mistakes. Warn them, encourage them with words of hope, and be very patient as you do these things. Teach the people carefully,
If you point out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be serving Christ Jesus well. You’ll show that you’ve been strengthened by the truths of the faith and by the good teaching you’ve obeyed.
The Berean Jews were more reasonable than those in Thessalonica. They received Paul’s message gladly and studied the Scriptures carefully every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Brothers and sisters, what should we say then? When you come together, each of you should bring something—a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a message in another language, or an explanation of what was said in another language. Everything must be done to build up the church.
Brothers and sisters, if I came to you and spoke in an unknown language, what good would that do? If I really wanted to help you, I’d come with a revelation or insight or prophecy or teaching.
If it’s encouraging others, then encourage them. If it’s giving, then give generously. If it’s being a leader, then do it diligently. If it’s showing mercy, then do it cheerfully.