| When Paul had been driven from the church, he wrote back to the Thessalonians. His message was one of encouragement. They needed that because their leader, Paul, was no longer with them. 1 Thes 4:18 says, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thes 5:11 says, ” Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Paul’s “therefore” points back to what he previously wrote. Paul was writing about the second coming of Jesus. When Jesus returns, He makes all thing right and we will spend forever with Him. Paul is letting them know that because of this Truth, they will be ok. Encouragement/Build up: Parakleite means “comfort, come alongside, counselor”. This is a relational term of being in the situation with someone. Oikodomeite means “build up, construct, builder”. This is a formational term of building a culture. Parents should encourage their children and speak about a preferred future of what it means to be a Christ-follower in the culture. Sequence matters: Building without encouragement leads to resentment instead of resilience. Encouragement without building leads to sympathy instead of identity. It takes a courage to encourage. Satan is a master of bringing fear and discouragement, which leads to isolation and believing lies instead of the Truth. His discouragement (hatat), brings a shattered identity to us. The solution: Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.” God’s presence is enough. He will create the win inside for you. Encouragement from the Lord changes us. When we encourage others, it changes them. In your marriage, your encouragement ratio should be 5:1. Daily encouragement takes Jesus’ courage. It will construct an identity in your marriage and in your family. Remember, Jesus isn’t afraid of what you are afraid of. Questions to consider: - Who is an encourager to you?
- How can you grow in your encouragement at home? at work? in your neighborhood?
- If you are married, what is your encouragement ratio? Will you commit to grow in that this week? How?
- What does your time with God look like? Are you allowing His Word to encourage you daily? What can you change in your rhythms to include more of Him in your day?
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