For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 AMP)
REFLECTION
The KJV dictionary describes an encourager as: “One who encourages, incites or stimulates to action; one who supplies incitements, either by counsel, reward or means of execution…”
“….David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6KJV, emphasis mine)
I find that when I intentionally encourage myself in the Lord — praying, praising Him and pondering His promises — I am better able to intentionally encourage others. Even in those moments when I’m not feeling encouraged, if I choose — in faith — to say and / or do something that encourages, comforts and builds up someone else [which can sometimes be as simple as a sincere smile or as sacrificial as putting aside personal pain or gain to help someone in a costly way ], then I am also encouraged, comforted and built up in some way…and able to help others even more. So, regardless of how we may feel, let’s stay close to our loving Lord and be encouraged, that we may be true encouragers.
PRAYER POEM
LORD, You are always worthy of praise, so to You I lift my gaze. Whether I’m in a valley of pain or celebrating great gain, may I always in You remain, and be built up as I build up others — by Your glorious grace — until we see You face to face.
