Read
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Verse 11 (NIV)

Reflect
My first church was in London, ON. I was a bit nervous and unsure of myself as lead pastor, youth pastor, secretary, and occasional custodian. That feeling increased significantly when I realized that the former president of our denomination was a parishioner in the congregation.

After my first message he came to the door and encouraged me in the content and delivery in the message that day. Suddenly, I had a new perspective on my role and position at this young church.

Paul’s missionary partner, Barnabas, was a person who was a strong encourager. Acts 4:36 tells us that the name Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” No wonder Barnabas was a leader in the ch

Paul, like Barnabas, encourages the Thessalonians to be wise, sober, and unafraid of the dark times they lived in. They could wear faith, love, and hope as armor, encouraged and strengthened in Christ for any challenges that might come. Those words can also be an encouragement for us in these days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sometimes we take people for granted and don’t see the ways they are gifted. We forget to thank others for the ways they bless our lives. Does your family know how much you value them? How can you be a source of encouragement in your community? Who in your church could use an encouraging word to grow in their gifts?

Pray
Lord, make us a people who encourage one another and bring out the best in those around us and in our community. In Jesus name, Amen.