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Frederick Lonsdale

The story is told about Frederick Lonsdale, a British dramatist, who had a longstanding quarrel with another man. One New Year’s Eve, at a party, he was asked by a friend to reconcile. “You must,” his friend urged him; “It is very unkind to be unfriendly at such a time. Go over now and wish him a happy New Year.”

So, as the story goes, Lonsdale crossed the room and spoke to his enemy. “I wish you a Happy New Year,” he said, “but only one.”

They were still enemies, despite any gracious words that may have passed between them. Unlike this incident, Paul is urging the Thessalonians to act in love as they correct their erring brothers and sisters.

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