Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:14

"And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ASV)

Support the weak,

Give them something to cling to. As some climbing plants put out their tendrils and need to be helped up, so may you be a prop to these climbers.

Comfort the feeble-minded,

They need cheering. You needed it once; return the benefit you have received. Do not be out of patience with them for being so foolish. If their minds are feeble, you cannot expect much better from them.

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,

There are some who never will be ruled; their very idea of being a Christian is that they will do just as they like. It is a somewhat happy circumstance that there are sects where they can do so. There are formed nowadays these little knots of people who will have no rule and church government, and who meet to edify one another.

Though they quickly go to pieces, it is perhaps better for the churches that they are rid of them.

Be patient toward all men.

Think of what patience God has with you. Be patient toward all men.