“Encourage one and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Thessalonians holds a lot of significant amount of Churchage doctrine.
Here Paul is telling the church at Thessalonica to comfort and edify each other. He is telling us also. He is telling us to encourage, to come alongside, to help each other.
We all need encouragement in our lives. We all know others who need encouragement. What do we do about it? Do we tear others down more that build them up? Do we feel people tear us down more than build us up?
I just spent 5 days with a bunch of Elementary School children during a session of Camp Voyage. What a privilege. I saw some shy kids come into the church on Monday holding their Mom’s hands, but by Friday they were crying when they had to go home. In between that time, there were new friendships formed, hugs given and received, encouragement when shooting an arrow, singing songs of Joy together, and so much more.
I saw one little boy who was afraid of the water, but was he left alone to sit on the side of the pool? No, there was always someone encouraging him, staying close to him, building him up.
I witnessed a few meltdowns when things didn’t go right, but were those kids left alone? No, another kid went straight to their side with encouragement, building them up.
I witnessed some kids who didn’t want to sing. Were they left alone? No, another kid came alongside of them and encouraged them to join in.
Did you notice in each case it was kids helping kids? We adults need to take notice of their willingness to reach out to others, to encourage others, and not tear others down. Let’s come alongside of others, encouraging and building them up. Let’s make everyone our neighbor and love them.
Blessings,
Jackie
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker
or would just like to take a course that would show ways that you can serve please contact:
Roxie Cauley at roxiemc51@yahoo.com
Or
Jackie Attaway at jattaway@ec.rr.com