“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you are also doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 11I heard a sermon that mentioned the edification of others, and it really hit home for me. So for today, I want to make sure this gets driven home to you too.
Our call to edify each other is found throughout the Bible. In this particular verse of scripture, Paul was speaking to the church of Thessalonica. He was exhorting, yet encouraging them to press on in giving their supportive words and actions to others. Christians are to encourage one another, never tear each other down. Our encouragement to others in their time of pain or ambivalence can make a world of difference – it will help them push past their pain or confusion, and help them carry on.
One of the primary reasons we fellowship together in church is to fulfill our obligation to encourage and build each other up. Read that last statement over… now really think if you do that. Are you so concerned with yourself that you are blind to what’s going on around you? Take a look in the pew behind you, or look beside you, a few rows away, etc… Maybe there’s someone with their head hanging low. Maybe they’re on the verge of tears. Maybe you should ask God to give you a word that will encourage and help build them up.
Who can you send a quick email or a note of encouragement to in your sphere of influence – to remind them how much their presence and abilities are needed. Express how much you appreciate them. Ask how they are. Be concerned with what’s going on in their world.