Respect those who labor,
Over you in the Lord;
Cautioning your neighbor,
To be in one accord.
Edify each other,
Comforting together;
Reassure your brother,
Wherever you gather.
Esteem them very high,
In love because of deeds;
Do not ever deny,
Of what your brother needs.
You need to be at peace,
With yourself and others;
Let hostilities cease,
With sisters and brothers.
Admonish the idle,
Encourage the faint heart;
What they are capable,
Beginning a fresh start.
Be patient with them all,
While helping the weak;
Catching them if they fall,
Assist on what they seek.
Payback not for evil,
Always seek what is good;
Avoiding the devil,
By doing what you should.
Give thanks as you rejoice,
And pray without ceasing;
As you lift up your voice,
Shouts of joy releasing.
Quench not the Spirit,
Prophecies not despise;
Think what you inherit,
From a God who is wise.
Hold fast to what is good,
But test everything;
Think of things that you would,
That righteousness does bring.
Say an oath to the Lord,
As I charge you to read;
To keep in one accord,
For helping to succeed.
Copyright © 2019 Richard Newton Sherrer