Daily Devotional – Thursday, April 20, 2023
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Every time you attend or watch a marathon, observe what happens along the last few meters to the finish line. You will notice close relatives and friends of the contestants urging them to finish the race.
Build Each Other Up
Why is the penultimate stage critical for athletes? By this time, the runners are exhausted. The legs ache while other body organs beg for rest. It is very easy to give up. The chest experiences a burning sensation. Eyesight begins to fail. The body begs to stop.
You must have witnessed athletes crawling to the finish line after their legs gave way. They know their family, friends, and fans are watching and wishing them well. Every time the thought of quitting comes to mind, the cheers overwhelm it, and the man or woman feels energized to finish the race.
Comfort Each Other
This analogy of the tired athlete and the cheering crowd fits in well with Paul’s exhortation to the believers in Thessalonica, in his first epistle. While addressing the theme of Christ’s second coming, the apostle urged for soberness among believers.
Because of the perils that involved being a Christian at that age and the possibility of discouragement, Paul urged, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Like exhausted athletes dashing towards the finish line, the Thessalonians needed encouragement from their brethren.
Edify One Another
We are closer to Christ’s second coming than these First Century believers. Satan and his agents have placed traps everywhere to ensure we give up on the journey of faith. Moreover, the cares of this life often overwhelm us to the extent of discouraging us from following Jesus faithfully.
Let us heed Paul’s counsel, and encourage and build up one another. Pray for your fellow believers. Attend church services or home worship meetings and share your testimony on the goodness of the LORD. Find time to visit the sick and the bereaved and pray with them. Provide material assistance to brethren in need.
Encourage One Another
As we approach the finish line of our journey home, seek the company of brothers and sisters in faith who can uplift your spirit in challenging times. In addition, endeavour to become the kind of Christian who offers hope and builds up other believers in the journey of faith. Today, ensure you encourage another Christian.
Prayer
Dear God, teach me how to encourage others in their journey of faith.
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A wonderful devotion
Amen, Pastor.
Amen.
Indeed our need for one another is important,i like the analogy of the athletes..at time when our pilgrimage may be weary,when some may be Tempted to give up on faith,life and on themselves,when people are cumbered with a lot of cares of life, stressed and distressed some even with suicidal ideation,we should find people to learn on and seek out for encouragement, ourselves should be there for others, encourage them and draw closer and closer to God; to lean on him.
When we encourage each other we find our help and comfort ultimately in the Holy Spirit of God.May we lean on one another when we’re not strong and may we encourage one another, calling each other near to the One who is our ultimate Comforter.
Amen and Amen, Doc.