Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—February 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

February 7, 1 Thessalonians 5

Encouragement is a powerful tool for building up Christians. Encouragement intensifies our desire and fortifies our commitment to serve the Lord, like fuel feeds a fire. But as you probably know, discouragement extinguishes zeal and softens our resolve to live for him.

We know Joseph of Cyprus by the nickname the apostles gave him—Barnabas, the son of encouragement. Almost every reference to him in the New Testament shows that he kept on earning his nickname throughout his life as a servant of Jesus. In today’s portion, Paul enlisted the whole church to become like Barnabas, encouraging everyone around them by their speech and conduct.

It’s easy to see how the preacher and other leaders in a church are supposed to be encouragers. But Paul’s words were addressed to all believers, about a reciprocal duty: “...encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” His closing instructions to these young Christians create a context for encouragement.

Are you encouraged when you think about Jesus’ return? Many people will be taken by surprise and terrorized when the Lord comes back, but his faithful disciples will be ready. You’re ready if you’re living to please him and waiting for his promised salvation. You are not filled with dread about the wrath that will fall on the unprepared. Does the thought of Christ’s return strikes dread or delight in your heart? That’s probably a good indicator of your spiritual well-being. To all who love him and cherish the hope of heaven more than this world and everything

in it, it’s encouraging to be reminded that Jesus is coming again.

Just as no one is exempt from the duty of encouraging others, it’s also true that everyone needs encouragement. Leaders who encourage others need it. People who are falling away and failing because of their weaknesses need encouragement from godly brothers and sisters. You don’t have to give a lavish gift or do a mighty deed to be an encourager. Gentle reminders about our mutual duties can be effective encouragement. Just knowing a brother or sister cares enough to speak to us about some spiritual matter is a genuine encouragement.

You don’t have to wait until you have perfected your technique to participate in this important, people-attracting ministry. If you’re living a joy-filled, prayerful, generous life that overflows with thanksgiving, you’re already encouraging others by your calm contentedness. When we remind one another of God’s faithfulness, when we share God’s love and word with people around us, and when we pray for all God’s children, we’re spreading encouragement. The person you encourage with a gracious word will be blessed, and may return the favor to you some day.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.