ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
February 1, 2022
In 1st Thessalonians 4:18, Paul wrote: Therefore encourage one another with these words. Paul had just finished sharing some very hopeful ideas about the life of faith, yet he suggested his words were intended to be shared again and again and again. Paul wanted his audience to encourage one another, and to do so using what they had learned about Jesus. When life is not going well, it is important for us to tell again and again the hopeful messages associated with our faith. Simply hearing them once is not enough to counter the negative powers that are working to undermine our convictions. We need to hear the message on a regular basis, and also share it on a regular basis. As the information comes in our ears and exits our mouths and our hands/feet, its hopeful quality begins to flow through us and penetrate us and become more a part of who we are.
As you have encouraged me with grace-filled words, O Lord, may I encourage those around me. Amen.
