“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 5:14–15).

In the above passage, the apostle Paul provides the following six admonitions we must implement in light of the second coming of our Lord:

1. Admonish the unruly. “Unruly” is a military term that literally refers to “one who breaks ranks.” Because Jesus is coming again, those who are in His army must stand firm in their place, not breaking ranks with our Great Commander, Jesus Christ.

2. Encourage the fainthearted. “Fainthearted” may be literally translated as “little in heart.” It refers to those whose hearts have become little through fear and, thus, in need of encouragement to keep fighting the battle of faith.

3. Support the weak. In any struggle, there are those who grow weak and desert the battle. Faithful Christians will do all they can to help those who need encouragement in Christ.

4. Be patient with everyone. When people do not respond as quickly as we would like, it is important to be patient in our encouragement. He says to be patient with all people. Some are more difficult to be patient with than others. But, we should be mindful of God’s longsuffering and patience with us.

5. Do not repay evil for evil. Much of the evil and violence in the world today would be eliminated if we would simply “leave room for the wrath of God (Rm. 12:19). It is not our place to carry out vengeance upon those who do evil. Such is God’s business.

6. Seek what is good for one another and for all people. We must seek what is good for even those who express hostility toward us. In another place, Paul says, “do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10).

These are a few adaptations of our faith to everyday life in view of Christ’s return.