“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up …”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Paul, Silas and Timothy sent words of encouragement to the church in Thessalonica. In doing so they showed love, care, compassion and hope that these early Christians would continue to serve the Lord, even in times of struggles.
We too, need to be encouraged from time to time, and, we need to be encouragers. We never know what burden another may be carrying. A friendly smile or a word of appreciation seem like small gestures, but they may be just what someone else needs to keep going.
Being aware of those around us is not difficult, but in our fast-paced lives we sometimes forget to notice. May we strive to show God’s love and care as we take time to help those in need. May we show God’s compassion when we criticize less and appreciate more. May we show God’s hope when we encourage others to continue on even in difficult situations.
As we are “devoted to one another in brotherly love” and “honor others above ourselves” (Romans 12:10) we will not only bless and encourage them, but we too will be blest. Our burdens will seem lighter, our determination to carry on will be stronger and God’s light will shine a little brighter in us.