And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. (1Th. ,15 ASV)
Encourage the fainthearted (weak minded, fearful, easily depressed), Support the weak (strengthless, sick). Most or all of us become fainthearted at times- if we are willing to admit it. It seems to me that we all need more encouragement. This life is tough enough with all the suffering, pain, and problems thrown our way that we don’t need people to tear us down or make light of our troubles which only serves to make us feel worse. We need to know that someone else has been there and understands, that they will stand beside us to uphold us, and to encourage us to keep going. We are to care for and support those who are weak. We need to be longsuffering and patient (both included in literal translation), and I think this is one we all need help with. Life can be very frustrating and many things happen to throw wrenches in our plans, but I remember one person saying, “Yes, it is inconvenient to have a problem surface at an inopportune time, but perhaps God is going to use it for a purpose, so trust God in the moment.” So when there are difficulties with people or problems, we can rely on God to get us through.
Always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. Always pursue that which is good or beneficial, not just with our friends, our family, our brothers in the Lord, or those who can benefit us, but with all mankind. Wow, even the people who annoy me, the school who is not helping my child, the slow clerk in the store, and the guy who cuts me off then shoots me the finger? Yep, pursue good with all mankind- no exceptions. This doesn’t mean they will accept it, but we are to try our best, and it is one way we will show the love of Jesus Christ through our actions.
Imagine your relief when someone helps you out, or leads you to where you can get help. If you go out of your way to help another person, they would be so grateful. It could be the worst day in their life, and you could provide a ray of hope in the midst of their struggle. Perhaps one day they’ll ask you why you helped, and you can tell them. Withhold not good from him to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Pr. 3:27 JPS
I think if we all followed that which is good at all times, this world would be a better place to live in, but also, we would have more peace in our own lives. Jesus is our greatest example of following the good with everyone. He treated the downtrodden and sinners with love and respect. We should do our best to imitate Him.