He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  1 Thessolonians 5:10-14

       When reading the Bible it is easy to find encouragement in verses that assure us that God is with us in everything we do. It is one way that we have the assurance that He will take care of us in both our joy, and in our pain, and at all points in between. As Christ-followers it is also necessary to understand our responsibilities to one another.

          As members of the body of Christ, we are called upon to be a support system for one another. We are often also given the responsibility of holding one another accountable in the event that we falter in our walk and witness. The duty falls to us to understand how to do both of these things in a positive, productive, and loving manner. It seems trivial to tell either Christians to encourage one another, as most believe that command to be understood. We are extremely  blessed to have so many in our church that are amazing encouragers. This assignment appears easy when we see someone acting in a way that glorifies Jesus. The difficulty comes from a situation that is not as comfortable or potentially disruptive.

          In verse 14, we see that we are to continue this encouragement in the difficult times as well. This idea is neither comfortable or popular by the world’s standard, but acting like Christ rarely is. A word that resonates in that section of Scripture is “patience.”  For me, that is the most challenging part, and potentially the most important. We should always exercise patience with one another.

Have a Blessed Week! 

~Danny