Reading for Wednesday, January 20th
Many places in Scripture we’re asked to be an encouragement to one another. In 1st Thessalonians 5:11-23, Paul gives many examples of how we can encourage others. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Here are different examples of encouragement from this text: Build each other up. Respect leaders and hold them in high regard. Live in peace. Warn the idle. Encourage the timid. Help the weak. Be patient. Resist revenge. Be joyful. Pray continually. Give thanks. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Avoid every kind of evil. Count on God’s constant help. How are you doing as an encourager? Are there one or two of these areas that you might need some improvement today?
