“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”-1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Let these powerful words just marinate in your mind and heart. In fact, please take a moment and slowly re-read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11. What marvelous, life-changing truth! God offers us salvation through Jesus. Through Christ, He has given us freedom from our sin instead of the fury of His righteous wrath that we actually deserve. All of this is because of His love. Jesus paid the debt we owe and could never pay. He did this on the cross so that we might have real life now and eternally! This is called Good News. What hope we have now! Thus, we are to encourage one another much. In fact, because of this truth of who God is and what He did for us through Christ, we must build others up! There’s no other proper way to respond to God and the love He has so freely extended to us.
Might we be reminded then, brothers and sisters in Christ — we have been commisioned to encourage! We're to "let it rip” when it comes to giving encouragement! Whom do you know who needs encouragement? Actually, who doesn’t need encouragement?! Family members need it. Friends need it. Strangers could sure use some uplifting words. Christians, we have every reason to encourage because of the hope we have! And let's not forget, countless people all around us are hurting, anxious, weighed down, struggling, weary, and lonely. We’ve been given clear intructions to encourage. There are so many around us who need to be encouraged. So, let’s pray for God’s leading as to whom we should encourage. Then, let’s make the call, send the text, write the note, and engage someone, somehow, with an encouraging word. Let’s build someone up today!
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott