Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

When Paul was writing to the church of Thessalonians, he was encouraging them to keep building each other up non-stop.

What does encouragement mean?

It means “to give support, give hope, hearten, lift, strengthen, prevail, harden, be courageous.”

As followers of Christ and children of God, we need to consistently encourage each other in Christ.

How do we do this?

Before we are able to encourage others, we must first draw close to the ultimate Encourager and become familiar with the source of encouragement, which is the word of God!

When we do this, we are feeding and strengthening our inner spirit-man. The more we draw near to the source of encouragement, the more the truth takes permanent roots in our hearts and thus makes it harder for the enemy to discourage us!

So what should we do to encourage others?

• We can pray for and with each other
• Speak the truth of God’s word over each other
• Remind each other who we are in Christ
• Share scriptures with friends and loved ones
• Simple acts of kindness

Even when nothing “big” is happening in our lives, we should still strive to keep each other encouraged.

As Christians, we are meant to be the salt and light of the world, so lifting each other up should be a natural part of our lives.

Today: How can you encourage someone in Christ? You never know when the Lord may lead you to someone who needs it!  

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad