Encourage One Another

11/12/2025

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

In a world that often tears people down, God calls His people to be builders. Paul wrote these words to the early believers who were facing many difficulties. Thessalonians were weary, persecuted, and waiting for Jesus’ return. Many of them had grown tired of the struggle and confused by the challenges around them. In that setting, Paul reminds them, and us, that faith isn’t meant to be lived in isolation. God designed us to strengthen one another through encouragement. Paul saw their faith and told them, “Keep it up! Don’t stop building each other.”

Understand that encouragement is more than saying, “You’ve got this.” It’s a holy act that transfers courage from one heart to another. The word itself literally means to put courage into someone. When you speak words of life into another believer, you are participating in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who is called “The Comforter.” You become a vessel of His comfort, extending God’s reassurance through your voice, your presence, and your prayers.

A great example of this is Barnabas. He was known as the “Son of Encouragement.” When Saul first became Paul, most believers didn’t trust him. They were afraid, skeptical, even resentful. But Barnabas saw what others could not. He vouched for Paul, mentored him, and helped him find his place among the apostles. Without Barnabas, Paul might never have found the courage to lead the early church as he did. One man’s encouragement unlocked another man’s calling.

We need more Barnabases today! People who speak destiny when others only see difficulty, who remind the weary of their worth, and who help the wounded remember God’s promises. Encouragement is not fluff; it’s faith in action.

When you build others up, you’re not just being kind, you’re building the Kingdom. Every word that lifts another heart becomes a spiritual brick in God’s house.

Action Steps:
1. Ask God to show you someone who feels unseen or unheard today and be intentional about encouraging them.
2. Write a note, text, or message that points them back to God’s faithfulness.
3. Reflect on a time when someone’s encouragement changed your direction, and thank God for that person.

Today’s Challenge:
Be a Barnabas. Speak words that plant hope where fear once lived. Build someone’s faith today, it might just change their life tomorrow.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for surrounding me with people who encourage me when I falter. Help me to do the same for others. Let my heart be quick to see the needs of those around me and my words be seasoned with grace and truth. Holy Spirit, fill my speech with Your strength and compassion so I can build others up and point them to Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign