Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
My sick loved one has taught me a lot. One thing I’ve learned is very similar to this appeal from Paul, do not be weary in doing what is right.
Very frequently, the rules of common sense or consequences are missing or distorted in conversations with someone with schizophrenia. What we believe is logical makes no sense to them, and conversely, what makes perfect sense to them makes no sense to us. Their sense of right and wrong, real and unreal, visible and invisible is warped by the brain disorder.
My husband and I try to do what’s right, and it’s met with anger and frustration, as our loved one truly doesn’t understand or see things the same as we do. We’ve taken to consoling each other that it’s always right to do what’s right. That seems redundant or unnecessary. But with this illness, there is no common understanding of what’s right. Even when you’re parenting a toddler or teen, there is a glimmer of recognition of what’s right and wrong. But not so with this brain disorder. We frequently second guess ourselves because there’s no common understanding. It’s always right to do what’s right.
Paul is appealing to the people of Thessaloniki for a second time. Apparently his first letter was read by some as a defense of idleness, waiting for Jesus to return, or as a defense used by false teachers to have the people follow the false teachers. Paul urges them to not weary in doing what’s right. Stay the course. Don’t be idle.
This morning, I’m thinking about ways to continue to do right, without feeling weary. Part of the answer is relying on my husband, and perhaps more is to find more moments of prayerful respite.
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