5 June 2017
A Word of Encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Ever watch the audition episodes of American Idol? The producers always made sure to air the worst singers. The ratings for the show were high because all the viewers were stunned at the surprise the horrible singers have when they are not given a ticket to Hollywood. Even their family members would curse Simon on camera for not recognizing their loved one’s “talent.” These “singers,” who were just awful, had never heard that they were awful, they were “encouraged” to keep singing, and that did not do them any favors.
I am not saying this passage from 1 Thessalonians means for us to go around bursting bubbles and offering blunt Simon Cowell style criticism to everyone, even though those contestants really needed someone to have done that for them to avoid public humiliation. This scripture is telling us that the kind of encouraging we do for one another is for the purpose to “build them up” – to give them strength, to help them be successful, and to be beneficial for them. Indulgence and flattery is not helpful, productive, godly encouragement.
Romans 15 describes the benefits of the kind of encouragement that does not ever lead to disappointment...
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Believers can always be prepared to give the best encouragement to others by reading Bible verses daily in the event there is an opportunity to share those words with someone today, for God’s Word is real encouragement that builds others up and tears no one down.
Dear God,
Thank you for your Word encouraging my heart this morning. And I can’t thank you enough for the people you bring into my life to encourage me with your Word. Thank you for my mom, Paula, Deborah, Carla, and Melissa encouraging me daily with prayers, hugs, love, and scripture. It has been so good for my heart, and I pray that you would bless these dear ladies today. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
A Word of Encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Ever watch the audition episodes of American Idol? The producers always made sure to air the worst singers. The ratings for the show were high because all the viewers were stunned at the surprise the horrible singers have when they are not given a ticket to Hollywood. Even their family members would curse Simon on camera for not recognizing their loved one’s “talent.” These “singers,” who were just awful, had never heard that they were awful, they were “encouraged” to keep singing, and that did not do them any favors.
I am not saying this passage from 1 Thessalonians means for us to go around bursting bubbles and offering blunt Simon Cowell style criticism to everyone, even though those contestants really needed someone to have done that for them to avoid public humiliation. This scripture is telling us that the kind of encouraging we do for one another is for the purpose to “build them up” – to give them strength, to help them be successful, and to be beneficial for them. Indulgence and flattery is not helpful, productive, godly encouragement.
Romans 15 describes the benefits of the kind of encouragement that does not ever lead to disappointment...
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Believers can always be prepared to give the best encouragement to others by reading Bible verses daily in the event there is an opportunity to share those words with someone today, for God’s Word is real encouragement that builds others up and tears no one down.
Dear God,
Thank you for your Word encouraging my heart this morning. And I can’t thank you enough for the people you bring into my life to encourage me with your Word. Thank you for my mom, Paula, Deborah, Carla, and Melissa encouraging me daily with prayers, hugs, love, and scripture. It has been so good for my heart, and I pray that you would bless these dear ladies today. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
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