Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:9–28
Bible in a Year: Esther 1–2; Acts 5:1–21
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
In the workplace, words of encouragement matter. How employees
talk to one another has a bearing on customer satisfaction, company
profits, and co-worker appreciation. Studies show that members of the
most effective work groups give one another six times more affirmation
than disapproval, disagreement, or sarcasm. Least productive teams tend
to use almost three negative comments for every helpful word.
Paul learned by experience about the value of words in shaping
relationships and outcomes. Before meeting Christ on the road to
Damascus, his words and actions terrorized followers of Jesus. But by
the time he wrote his letter to the Thessalonians, he had become a great
encourager because of God’s work in his heart. Now by his own example
he urged his readers to cheer one another on. While being careful to
avoid flattery, he showed how to affirm others and reflect the Spirit of
Christ.
In the process, Paul reminded his readers
where encouragement comes from. He saw that entrusting ourselves to God,
who loved us enough to die for us, gives us reason to comfort, forgive,
inspire, and lovingly challenge one another (1 Thess. 5:10–11).
Paul shows us that encouraging one another is a way of helping one another get a taste of the patience and goodness of God.
Father in heaven, please help us to give others a small taste of the mercy and kindness You are forever offering us.
What could be better than working to bring out the best in one another?
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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