1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 | Peacemaking Is a Verb

Peacemaking is a Verb: Creating Unity in the Church

In a world filled with conflict and division, the church is called to be different. Peacemaking isn't just a nice idea—it's an active, ongoing process that requires intentional effort from every member of the church community. As we explore Paul's instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, we discover practical ways to foster peace and unity within our church family.

Why is peacemaking so difficult for us?

We all have a natural heart posture that leans inward toward selfishness. We prioritize our own desires for comfort, security, stability, and control. This self-focus causes us to neglect others, sometimes only recognizing them when they can help satisfy our desires.

This is why peacemaking requires vigilance. It demands that we recognize that life isn't just about us as individuals—it's about being part of a collective, loving our community while serving the God who loves us.

What does active peacemaking look like in the church?

In 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, Paul gives four specific instructions for how everyone in the church should participate in peacemaking:

1. Admonish the idle

The word "idle" here doesn't just mean lazy—it refers to those who are disruptive, disorderly, or unruly. In Thessalonica, these were likely people who had stopped working because they believed Christ's return was imminent. Rather than contributing to the community, they were taxing its resources.

When we admonish someone, we should:

• Approach them with firmness regarding their disruptive behavior, yet grace for their personhood

• Avoid public shaming, anger, or gossiping about the issue

• Remember that the goal is restoration and reintegration, not isolation

Warning others of their wrongdoing helps both them and the greater community, fostering correction and benefiting all parties.

2. Encourage the fainthearted

The "fainthearted" are those who are timid or lacking confidence, particularly when facing trials and afflictions. In Thessalonica, the church had experienced persecution, with their leaders Paul and Silas being forced to leave the city (Acts 17:1-9).

Today, faintheartedness might come from:

• Personal struggles like chronic illness, job loss, or family difficulties

• Spiritual doubts or feelings of inadequacy in faith

• Burnout from serving or feeling overwhelmed by life's demands

• Past hurts experienced within church settings

To encourage the fainthearted, we can:

• Be present and listen without judgment

• Remind them of God's faithfulness using Scripture

• Offer practical assistance to lift burdens

• Pray for them

• Acknowledge and affirm their gifts and contributions to the church

3. Help the weak

The "weak" refers to those who are physically and economically vulnerable—the sick, hurting, homeless, and poor. Caring for the disenfranchised is crucial because neglecting them creates division within the body of Christ.

When we fail to help the weak:

• It contradicts the image of a unified body where everyone has enough

• It undermines the gospel message of radical inclusion

• It creates barriers for outsiders who might see hypocrisy if the church prioritizes internal comfort over compassion

Jesus modeled this care when he fed the 4,000, saying, "I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat, and I am unwilling to send them away hungry" (Matthew 15:32).

4. Be patient with them all

This final instruction may be the hardest because it requires internal transformation. Patience creates space for forgiveness, peace, and unity.

Patience is not passive waiting but an active choice, especially when we're frustrated with someone. It requires:

• Stepping back rather than reacting impulsively

• Cultivating empathy to understand others' perspectives

• Practicing humility, meekness, and kindness

• Enabling constructive dialogue rather than escalating conflict

How does the gospel empower us to be peacemakers?

Peacemaking isn't something we can accomplish through our own strength or effort. Our ability and motivation to be peacemakers come directly from the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus' death on the cross, he didn't just model peace—he secured it. He bore our sin, brokenness, and separation from God, reconciling us to Him. Because we have received this radical peace and forgiveness, we are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to extend that same peace and grace to others.

When we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, it transforms us from within so that we become instruments of peace in a world full of chaos.

Life Application

If you want to become a more effective peacemaker in your church and community, consider these practical steps:

• Be present - Pay attention to those around you so you can recognize moments of chaos where you can bring Christ's peace.

• Admonish gracefully - When you need to correct someone, do so with the same grace and desire for restoration that Christ showed to you.

• Encourage lovingly - Look for people who are discouraged or fainthearted, and find ways to raise their spirits by pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.

• Help humbly - Serve others not for recognition but out of genuine love and care for your fellow human beings.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I see disruptive behavior in my church community that needs gracious admonishment?

• Who around me is fainthearted and needs encouragement this week?

• How can I help someone who is weak or vulnerable in a practical way?

• In what relationship do I need to practice more patience?

Remember, peacemaking isn't a one-time event but a continual process. As recipients of God's peace through Christ, we are called and empowered to be active peacemakers in our church and world.