Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 5: Encourage One Another
Definition
ENCOURAGE “Give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something”
Encourage one another
The promise that “the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 is followed by a command: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Again, the affirmation that “the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2) is followed by the exhortation: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (V. 11). (Quote from Mike Livingstone, who works at LifeWay Christian Resources as content editor for Explore the Bible materials.)
BIble verses about encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
ENCOURAGEMENT SHOULD BE A DAILY PART OF OUR LIVES.
2 Chronicles 30:22: “Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites, who showed good understanding of the service of the LORD.”
A GOOD LEADER SHOULD BE AN ENCOURAGER.
Philippians 1:7: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
CHRISTIAN SERVICE CAN BE A WAY TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE.
2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.”
ENCOURAGEMENT IS A WAY OF UNIFYING THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Hebrews 10:24 – 25: “And let us consider how we can spur one another towards love and to good works: not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR HIS RETURN WHILE YOU ARE ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER.
Notice what these Bible verses are saying!
1. It should be an ongoing and everyday part of our lives to encourage and build up a fellow believer. Nobody wants to be around a pessimistic, negative Christian.
2. Christian leaders apply the example of Hezekiah who was an encourager to those who served well in their ministries.
3. Doing a Christian service to someone can often provide encouragement to the recipient.
4. Encouragement should be used in counseling relationships to unify the body of Christ.
5. We should be encouraging each other with the hope of His return.
Personal story
As a young man in my 20s, I was approached by a church leader to consider becoming the Sunday school superintendent. This was a daunting task to consider since this man was the current Sunday school superintendent of 40+ years. He was a huge encourager of people doing Christian service well. He promised to be by my side until I no longer needed his assistance. After much prayer, I accepted that responsibility. This gentleman was a mentor and encourager up until he went to be with the Lord at the age of 101. He sensed in me a leadership ability and style, along with my passion for Christian education. This story is not about me but about the management, encouragement, training, and molding of my personal life and public career. He chose to disciple me, which changed my approach to life. His name is Brooke Hartman, Sr.
Why am I telling you this story of my life? Encouragement of a fellow Christian can be done for several reasons. You can use encouragement to build up someone who is discouraged. Encouragement can also be to mentor someone. It can also be used as a greeting to some (Happy Tuesday, have a great day!). Encouragement can also be used in a non-verbal way. How you talk, walk, and even smile can radiate encouragement. It can be the total package of yourself that you present to people.
Final comments
When people see you, hear you, and watch you, what are they observing? Is it encouragement? As Christians, we need to evaluate what message we are sending to Christians and to the world. The time of Christ’s return is imminent. In the time that we have left on this earth, let’s be that salt and light that Scripture states what we are to be to the world. One of the factors of waiting for His return is encouraging one another.
Blessings from Carlton Ringer