verses 13-14: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
Paul continues to wrap up this letter with what the Holman commentary calls “general exhortations”. What is the definition of exhortation? According to http://www.merriam-webster.com , it is a “transitive verb : to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly intransitive verb : to give warnings or advice : make urgent appeals”.
In short, to encourage! How many times have you gone the extra mile, given just one more try, or redoubled your efforts at something, just because someone was rooting for you? Team athletes like football players remember all they learn in practice (well, they’re supposed to!), but what’s that coach doing in the few minutes before they take the field? Exhorting them, reminding them, encouraging them!
Encouragement can be positive (you can do it!) or negative (remember, don’t do that!) It’s advisory, but not impersonal advice. (My wife just reminded me, it’s with the person’s best interest in mind.) Paul certainly felt that for his Corinthian flock. Jesus certainly feels that for His flock. He is the Coach, Teacher, Mentor, Shepherd wanting us to succeed in His name! And we should try and try again…not for our glory but for His glory and in His Name!
So when you feel beat down, or depressed, or just empty, listen to the Coach tell you to take a deep breath and get back into the game. As an old song lyric goes that I remember from watching Captain Kangaroo “…pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!”
P.S. if you have no idea who Captain Kangaroo is, please ask someone 40 or older, or go Google-search Bob Keeshan/Captain Kangaroo!
Have a blessed day!
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Combing The Word 