Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Build Up
In an article in the Financial Post, we read this about building up the Canadian economy: “But beyond the dark clouds, reasons for optimism remain. In fact, we believe we are on the cusp of the greatest potential for individual opportunity and wealth creation in human history. Thanks to modern technology, the barriers to prosperity have never been lower, nor markets so connected. There is opportunity for literally everyone to unleash their energy, ideas, passion and productivity and do business directly with almost anyone else globally.”
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There are so many people in our world, and within our Christian family who are dealing with some pretty difficult problems. Financial pressures are a reality for many, as are illnesses, family challenges and grief. We Christians are not immune from the realities of life. What we have is each other, and what a blessing that can be. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 gives each of us this call: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Encouragement isn’t just a kind word. It’s listening when someone needs to be heard. It’s a note, a hug, a prayer lifted on behalf of a friend. It’s pointing someone back to God’s promises when their eyes are fixed on their problems. Every act of encouragement strengthens the body of Christ, and in turn, strengthens us too. So, today, let’s be intentional. Look around you—your family, your friends, even strangers—and ask, “How can I build them up?” When we lift others, we mirror God’s love in the world. And remember, in doing so, we ourselves are built up, step by step, in His grace.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley