Verse of the Day for Saturday, June 5, 2021

 

Verse of the Day
Saturday, June 5, 2021

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

What does encouragement mean to you? Can you recall a time when someone came alongside you for the sole purpose of lifting your spirits?

Sometimes it takes only one word, a smile, or a grasp of the hand to hearten someone who is experiencing a trial. Sometimes it means standing by someone during a particularly hard time and helping him or her not give in to despair. It feels especially good to know you’re loved in those low moments when you cannot see clearly ahead or when you don’t understand God’s perspective and vision for your life.

Have you ever done that for a hurting person?

The Lord has given each of us special tasks within the body of Christ, and those with the gift of exhortation or encouragement can rejoice in their unique ministries (Rom. 12:8). But encouragement isn’t strictly the domain of those to whom the Lord has given a special gift—it is the wonderful, God-given function of everyone who belongs to Jesus Christ.

The ministry of encouragement is indispensable, both to you and to the body of Christ. There’s no such thing as a person who doesn’t need encouragement. By seeking ways to daily build up those with whom you interact, you further the potential for meaningful, Christ-centered relationships. As Paul told the persecuted Thessalonians, “Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing . . . admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5

Listen to 1 Thessalonians 5

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.