”Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11New International Version (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Devotional
Encourage and Build
I n 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul commands you and me to encourage one another and build each other up. He opines that these are very important personal ministries in the Body of Christ (Church). This is because discouragement is very costly to the one that is discouraged. It hinders growth, stagnates progress, and renders you useless.
In other words, prayerlessness and lack of faith become the order of your life. You become ineffective.
Encouragement in the Bible
However, you can use Scripture to encourage (stand with or cheer or reaffirm) another (Titus 1:9, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25). The Bible is filled with guidance on encouragement and inspiration.
A verse like Isaiah 40:31 makes it clear that those who remain strong in the faith need not be discouraged. They shall “…mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Joshua 1:9 states that the Lord is with us wherever we go. Therefore, we can be strong and courageous and not be frightened.
Therefore, Isaiah 40:31 is a verse that you can use to encourage someone who is struggling with grief, fear, doubt, insecurity, or disappointment. You can provide him/her with hope by pointing them to Jesus Christ and encouraging them to “wait for the Lord”. This is because God will “mount him/her up with wings like eagles”.
Also, Joshua 1:9 is a verse you can share with someone who is experiencing fear, insecurity, or self-doubt. You could pose this to them: “If the Lord is with you, what is there to fear?” Meaning that with God at their side, they can overcome the things that are causing their fear and discouragement.
Second chances
You can also give second chances (Acts 9 and 15) and help when and where help is needed (Acts 4:32-37). This kind of encouragement will build another person up.
Therefore, don’t be satisfied with being just a consumer, or spectator in your local Body. Don’t be prone to discouraging and tearing others down. Instead, invest in the lives of your fellow believers by encouraging them.
In 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, Paul clearly brought out the fact that we need each other. This is because God created each one of us to have his/her role in the fellowship of believers.
Again in 1 Corinthians 14:1-33, Paul asserted that God expects you and me to build each other. This is because the health of the church is dependent on the working of each of its members, including you (Ephesians 4:16).
It is also not only living up to your identity in Christ, it is preparing the members of Christ’s body for His second coming.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, help me to fully obey your command that requires me to encourage others. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
2 Thessalonians 1-3 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
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