Message from Scripture: 9/21/2020

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Thess. 5:11. “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

Everyone’s life has both highs and lows. No one has to tell us to enjoy the good times, but there are those times we need the help of others to make it through the bad times. The word in the New Testament for encouragement means literally to call alongside of. It carries the idea of comfort, consolation, support, and offering confidence to each other. What does encouragement do for us?

Encouragement keep us from quitting. We all have our weaknesses, and we need to hear from others we can make it, not to give up, that it is worth pressing on. We need to be like Barnabas, who went to the church in Antioch “to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:23).

Encouragement helps us reach our potential. To encourage, and be encouraged, gives us a perspective we may not have about ourselves, enabling us to better see who we are and what we can do, to find the courage to try. Barnabas encouraged John Mark to not give up after he left the first missionary journey, even to the point where Paul would later say he was useful to him (2 Tim. 4:11).

Encouragement keeps our focus on God. The trials of life can easily cause us to only think of our problems and not our blessings. It helps to be encouraged in knowing God never gives up on us, that He is always there for us. Paul encouraged Timothy by reminding him, even though Paul himself faced numerous difficulties in serving God, that the Lord stood with him and strengthened him (2 Tim. 4:16). Paul knew God would help Timothy as well (2 Tim. 1:7).

Since we all need encouragement, we should all be encouragers. Is there anyone you could help out by a kind word, prayer, or some help today? You will find in helping others you help yourself. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert