For God chose to save
us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so
that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him
forever. So
encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already
doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
You ever had a day where you just were not feeling the
spirit? I have had some days where
writing a devotion was work and not inspiring.
The words were not there and the spirit was not in me. I focused on God’s words, and tried to make
sense of it. However, something just was
missing. Nonetheless, I willed myself to
figure out what to say, and then put it all together. As I hit the ‘send’ button, I prayed, “God, I
am not sure if what I wrote was your intent, but I pray that it is your words
that can help someone.” Low and behold,
a person wrote me back saying, “Thank you, Kent! That is just what I needed to hear.” At that moment, I felt the spirit in me come
alive, and this feeling of humility came over as the encouragement motivated me
throughout the day. None of this would
have happened if that one person had not said to me a simple ‘Thank you’ note.
We should never underestimate the power of our words to
positively impact others. The words of Paul in today’s verses is a simple but
powerful reminder. First, it reminds us
that there was a choice. God, who is
ever righteous, could have chosen to write us off for our sinful ways. However, He chose to send His son instead so
that we can be saved. Second, it gives
us hope saying even should tomorrow be our last day that we will have our day
with Christ, and we will live with Him not for a day or a year but
forever. Thus, we should be already be
filled with joy knowing this will happen.
Understanding this, Paul says we being already encouraged are to remind
others so as to encourage and build them up.
It does not say to question, reject, or criticize. We tend to fall to the latter because that is
always the most noticeable and easiest to point out. We can always find fault in something. However, Paul says to look toward the
positive for as I have found, just one positive mention can awaken the Spirit
that dwells within us and can make someone whose lost hope inspired and make a
person who is empty whole again.
We are not made to live this life alone. While people may fail us, God never fails,
and in Paul’s words, encouraging and building each other up can strengthen us
for as David said:
But those who trust in
the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. (Psalm 40:30)
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. (Psalm 40:30)
So if you are not feeling encourage, encourage others
because in it, you yourself may find encouragement. How can you look to build someone up
today? Who can you partner with that can
be a source of encouragement when you are lost?
My prayer is that we fight through our circumstances to encourage others
with the hope that they are not only encouraged but also be a source of
encouragement for others . . . including you. Amen.
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