In a previous post we considered why we need encouragement, concluding that we need help to maintain the qualities that enable us to live as lights in this dark world seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10. Verse eleven answers the question of “who?”
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Who Needs Encouragement
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the Thessalonian church which experienced hardships but nonetheless became a model to churches elsewhere (1 Thess. 1:6-7). He also wrote of his own suffering because of opposition against him. Throughout his epistle, Paul pointed the Thessalonians to the future hope of the coming of the Lord.
Though an evangelist and church leader, the Apostle Paul wrote of his own need for encouragement. No matter how we serve, or who we are, we all need encouragement. As Jesus reminded us, we will face trouble in this world. Notice His words of encouragement as He went on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33). Since we all live in in a world filled with trouble, we all benefit when encouraged by the hope we have in the One who overcomes.
In telling them to “encourage one another”, Paul reinforced the need everyone has for encouragement. The Greek word for “one another”, allelon, suggests a reciprocal effort. No one should have to face the hardships of life alone.
We Still Need to Encourage One Another Today
Though written to a specific church, these words still apply to us today because . . .
We still live in a dark and broken world filled with troubles that challenge us in our walk with God.
We continue to look forward to that day when the Lord will come and make everything right.
As followers of Jesus Christ, no matter who we are, where we live, or how we serve, we all need encouragement to brightly reflect the light of the Lord in our sphere of influence, in all we say and do, till Jesus comes again.
