1 Thessalonians 5:6-15 “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” vs. 11
As we move through these shortening days of December, in reality time seems to be stretching out. We’re tired of travel restrictions and bothered by the continued spread of the virus in our country. So many have been worn down by the isolation and daily conflicting reports about vaccines and quarantine. And since we can’t seem to get words of encouragement from pundits and politicians we’re really in the mood for the quiet affirmations that we can get from fellow believers. That was Paul’s wish in this final section of his letter to the Thessalonians. They had been led to believe that it wouldn’t be long before Christ returned, but now the years were passing and they were hard-pressed to know what to do. Paul told them to remain faithful and to provide mutual encouragement, just as they had done in the past. It’s solid advice in any age–and we need it now particularly. Patience isn’t a long suit for many and it could be that our nerves are beginning to fray as we prepare for a Christmas, the likes of which we’ve never experienced before. Even in the best of times we need a circle of friends to pick us up when times are tough–and in these days we need that encouragement even more. And it does come! It’s one of the blessings of living in Christ!
Thought for the Day: Who can I encourage today?
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