In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11, Paul exhorts believers to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Encouragement is essential in the life of the church, and Paul emphasizes its importance for sustaining faith and unity. In fact, encouragement is referenced nearly 300 times in the New Testament, underscoring its role in strengthening the church and helping believers remain steadfast.
The Meaning of Encouragement
In Scripture, “encouragement” has two related meanings: to comfort and to exhort. Comfort refers to providing solace and support to those who are struggling or grieving. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Paul tells believers to comfort each other with the hope of the resurrection when facing the death of loved ones. Here, encouragement means reminding one another that death is not the end for those in Christ, but a temporary “sleep” before eternal life.
Encouragement also includes exhortation—urging one another to live lives worthy of the gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul encourages believers to stay alert, self-controlled, and committed to living in the light, reminding them to put on faith, hope, and love as spiritual armor. Exhortation spurs us on to greater obedience and perseverance, keeping us focused on God’s call to live a holy life.
The Need for Encouragement
Encouragement is vital because Christian life often involves difficult circumstances and high standards of holiness. The Thessalonians faced fierce persecution and hardship when they accepted Christ, enduring hostility from those around them. Paul acknowledges that believers need comfort to keep going amid these challenges, reminding them that God has not forgotten them and that Christ will return.
In addition to external hardships, Christians are called to live out high standards of love, purity, and diligence. Paul challenges the Thessalonians to pursue ever-increasing brotherly love, impeccable diligence, and unwavering sexual purity. Such commands are challenging, and encouragement helps believers stay committed to these standards, urging them to honor God with their lives.
The Practice of Encouragement
Encouraging one another is a responsibility for every member of the church, not just for leaders. Comforting each other can be as simple as showing up, listening, offering a smile, or sharing a kind word. Just being present at gatherings is a form of encouragement, showing commitment to the community.
Exhorting one another involves urging each other to stay true to Christ’s teachings. This may include gently advising or guiding others toward godly living, addressing behavior or attitudes that stray from Christian values. Encouragement should be loving and respectful, calling one another to higher standards without criticism or harshness.
Conclusion
Encouragement is both a command and a necessity in the church. Paul challenges us to make it a regular practice, building each other up through comfort and exhortation. Just as the Thessalonian church demonstrated this in their lives, we too are called to create a community that fosters encouragement, helping each other grow in faith and perseverance. May we continue to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact [we] are doing.”
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