ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
June 19, 2021
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.
Thought for the Day: Paul is encouraging the work of encouraging, and doing so by praising the encouragement already being done. We should do what is right because it is the right thing to do, but if we are honest with ourselves, most of us need some encouragement. Whether it is a bit of laziness or discouragement or a distraction, a little encouragement can go a long way. Where might you be an encourager to someone who is really doing some good work, but probably isn’t receiving much positive feedback? We could say to ourselves, “Being faithful should be all someone needs,” but there are a lot of other voices that can be demoralizing and leave a good person asking, “Is this really worth it?” I have a feeling some of the great saints of the faith, the people we uphold as models of the Jesus-life, could point to a few encouragers in their own lives. Encouragement is a Spiritual Gift, and one that is probably in short supply these days.
Prayer: Merciful God, wherever I am needing encouragement, I pray for a grace-filled encourager. And wherever I can be that gift in a person’s life, I pray for heavenly vision that allows me to see the need clearly. Amen.
