Encourage On Another

Encourage one another

Encourage ON another…in the faith

We all experience trials in life. But we must know that even during these trials, we must remain constant in our faith. And every now and then, we need to be encouraged. And too, many around us, need our encouragement.

Peter tells us that we all have problems; we all will experience and share in the same sufferings. We believe we have problems, but when we see others, we realize just how miniscule our problems are. We can find joy in knowing that God is in control. And we must remain steadfast in our faith. Even while we experience times of suffering, when we need to be encouraged, we can encourage others, by our actions and by our steadfast faith.

Paul shares with us how to be an encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11-28 NKJV

11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Various Exhortations

12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Blessing and Admonition

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Thessalonians [excerpts from the Life Application Bible]

Paul wrote this epistle from Corinth to the people of Thessalonica to encourage them in their faith. Throughout the scriptures, we are told to encourage each other in the faith.

Paul has given us some very good points of encouragement.

Starting with vs 27, Paul says that he charges us by the Lord to read this epistle to all of you.

Vs. 11 Comfort and Edify – to build up each other

We are to point out someone a quality you appreciate in them.

Vs 12 Recognize – give honor to leaders/those in authority

We should look for ways to help them, cooperating with them in the work that they do.

Vs 13 Esteem them – think highly of leaders.

Too many times we are critical of those in authority. It’s easy to find faults with those we look to when we do not agree with them. We need to withhold those critical comments about those with great responsibility.

Highly in Love – this is to give a whole hearted love.

A simple ‘thank you’ for the efforts of those who lead.

Be at peace among yourselves – avoid quarreling

Search for ways to get along with others.

Vs. 14 Warn the unruly or the lazy

Perhaps your words will be a wake up call. Ms. Betty at the phone center is in a wheelchair. It is not unusual for her to challenge a young man by directly asking him ‘Are you Saved Boy!’

Warn the unruly, those with the lack of discipline...

They may need direction, or prodding.

We need to challenge someone to join us in a project we are working on.

Comfort the fainthearted or frightened.

We need to encourage those who are frightened by reminding them of God’s promises.