Encourage one another and build one another up. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Nearly three decades ago, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called “The 5 Love Languages.” His premise was that people have various personalities that express and receive love in different ways, which include quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and gifts. The fifth way he described that people experience love is through words of affirmation.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica to share insights about Christ and good news about His second coming… words to inform, as well as to encourage. Insecure in their faith, their hearts were burdened; they thought that Jesus was coming back soon to take them to heaven and the friends who had died would miss out and be left behind. But Paul assured them that anyone who believes in Jesus’ death and resurrection – His work of salvation on Earth – would not be forgotten.
Share these “words of affirmation” with those around you. The Lord has not yet come a second time, but when He does, He will descend with a shout. The dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up with them in the air to be forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The following verse says to “Encourage one another with these words.” Pray that those in the United States who lack this assurance would believe. Be hopeful and courageous, building others up in the faith. Look forward to the future with Christ, your sure foundation.
Today’s Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 15:1-6
15 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
