Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
Have you had times when you were down and no one seemed to notice? Maybe things weren’t going the way you’d like and it seemed no one cared that you were hurting.
I have.
I’m not sure which hurts more – feeling discouraged or feeling forgotten.
As Christians, it is our responsibility to encourage one another. First Thessalonians 5:14 says, “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” God expects us to be alert for signs that one of our Christian brothers or sisters is sad, hurting, or discouraged.
When we notice indications that something isn’t right with one our brothers or sisters, God expects us to encourage that person. We need to let him or her know that we care. We should offer genuine words of encouragement and tangible, practical help.
When we reach out to encourage someone, we must be sure our attitude is right. If we offer meaningless platitudes or insincere offers to help that we never intend to follow-through with, we are probably hurting more than we are helping.
We should be willing to help everyone that it is within our power to help, not just people we like or people who might be able to return the favor and help us someday. Encouraging one another isn’t a form of networking.
When we see someone who needs encouragement, we should be prompt in offering encouragement. We should never assume someone else will help the hurting person, because that may never happen. Remember, God made you aware of the person’s need. He expects you to do the encouraging.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be the kind of encourager that You want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Also Read: Overcoming Discouragement