Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)- But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)
- And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 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 10:24-25)
The Thessalonian Christians were facing severe trials and persecutions (1:6). They had been disturbed by doctrinal ignorance (4:13-18), and disruption (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4). And yet they had the ability, and the responsibility, to encourage one another with God’s truth and to show their support for each other.
In the New Testament, encouraging and building one another up refers to the process of building spiritual maturity and Christian character. Every believer is to be involved in the process of building up other Christians. The Greek word “parakaleo” translates as “comfort” or “encourage.” The word can also mean, depending on the context, “to summon, or to call to one’s side to give aid.” It is also often used “to strengthen, encourage,” or “to comfort, console” as one who comes alongside to give aid, strength, comfort, or courage. To encourage means to do whatever is needed to bring courage into the lives of other Christians.
Who do you know needs encouragement today? Look around. Most likely many of the Christians around you are hurting and need your encouragement to bring courage to their lives. My prayer for you is that you will be known as a great encourager of many!
