Thursday, November 12, 2026

Scripture

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Reflections

Each day we’re given an opportunity to do something wonderful; encourage and build up one another.

It’s easy to be destructive with our words and actions.  It’s easy to be overly critical, looking only for the negative.  It’s easy to overlook the needs of others.

But God calls us to something better.  He calls us to encourage one another.  He calls us to build up one another.  In the time of Paul, the early believers were concerned about Jesus’ return.  Would they miss his return?  Would they spend eternity with him?  Paul reassured them.  They were children of light.  They were destined not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

As a Christian family, we have a unique opportunity to be there for one another when we get discouraged and feel beaten down.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ.  What do brothers and sisters do?  They care for one another as best they we can.  When we see someone who is down, we help lift them up.  When we see them discouraged, we remind them of the hope that is in Jesus.

What would today be like if we saw every interaction with another person as an opportunity to encourage and build up?

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to encourage and build up.  Guard me when I feel weak and tempted.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11