I love being a teacher. Sherry and I were talking about how much we love working at a local classical academy because of the loving staff, supportive parents, and receptive students there. We thought of this Bible verse that sets some great principles on teaching. It reminded us of what we get to do every day with our students.
I Thessalonians 5:14:
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Having a Classical background helps us so much to understand the English language, as well as life. If this were a modern school memorandum (a good Latin word), it might read:
To: Teacher Brethren
From: Paul
Subject: How to take care of students
Date: 53 A.D.
I am calling you to my side to 1) teach correct behavior to those that are out of step; 2) tenderly encourage those who are losing heart; and 3) let those who are weak lean on your support. Above all, please be patient and treat these students kindly. Thanks for your support.
For those interested in Greek, here’s a little background on the words used in this scripture.
We exhort you
The word for “exhort” is parakaleō. It is from kaleō [to call] and para [alongside]. It literally means to bring someone to your side: like a loving parent, teacher, or coach would do. That’s the first thing to teaching—letting your students know that you care about them.
Warn them that are unruly
The word “warn” is noutheteō. It is from nous [mind] and tithēmi [to set] = to set in mind, to warn with wise words. That is the joy and challenge of teaching. How to get those wise words into a student’s mind.
The teacher is to warn a specific kind of person or student—the unruly. This word is from ataktos. The Greek word comes from a [no, not] and tassō [to arrange in proper order] = not in order, out of the proper arrangement. It is used in Classical Greek of someone in the military being “out of step” with the other soldiers. This may remind you of a challenging student. The best way to help them is to keep setting the truth into their mind. Eventually, it will bear fruit.
Comfort the feebleminded
The word “comfort” is paramutheomai. This Greek word comes from para [alongside] and muō [to speak softly] = calling alongside with gentle, tender words. This doesn’t require a lecture in front of the class. This is to privately tell that student softly and genuinely how much you care for them and want them to succeed. Your words may have “teeth,” but they are delivered in a kind and loving manner.
Why? Because the student is “feebleminded.” This does not mean slow or unable to comprehend. The Greek word used is oligopsuchos. It comes from oligos [few, little], as in our word “oligarchy,” rule by a few. And it comes from psuchē [soul], as in our word “psychology,” which deals with the “soul” or heart of a person. Together they, the “little souled,” are those tired and exhausted by their daily events and requirements.
Just think of a student who has done their best and is tired of the fight. We don’t need to load on more work and reprisals. Just let them “get a breath” and use tender words to help them go on. Then you can support their academic career once they are better able to learn.
Support the weak
The word for “support” is antechomai. It comes from anti [against] and echō [to hold] = to hold against, to press closely in love. This advice is for helping a child different than the “trouble” student who is out of step, or the “little souled” student who wants to give up. This is a student who is “weak” or genuinely lacking in an area: intellect, physical ability, emotional stability.
The word for “weak” is asthenēs. This Greek word comes from a [no, not] and sthenoō [to make strong]. These students are not strong and need our support: personal encouragement, one-on-one teaching when available, getting parents more involved if needed. Whatever it takes to help strengthen them.
The missing piece: be patient toward all
What is the GREATEST thing we can do as teachers? Be patient. Another classic Bible verse [I Corinthians 13:4] says that love is only two things: patient and kind. If you can get those virtues down, you’re in pretty good shape.
The word for “be patient” is makrothumeō. It comes from makros [great] and thumeō [to have thumos, passion]. It means to have a great passion in supporting others, showing patience and big-mindedness. That’s what I want to be.
All of us probably have dozens of opportunities each day to be patient with ourselves, family, co-workers, and friends. And those who are teachers have the joy each day of patiently and kindly teaching wonderful young people who want to learn.
Let’s look for others to “teach” in our daily lives. We can give direction to those out of step, speak tender words of comfort to the little-souled, and allow the weak to lean on us until they can support themselves. In all things, we can be big-minded and patient with all those we meet. Happy teaching!
