The Finish Line
1 Thessalonians 5:1-18
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
I ran track while in high school and still can remember heading for the end of a long race, my legs aching, my throat burning, and my whole body giving up. But the support of friends cheering me on made me push to the end. The encouragement of a good word at the right moment is often the difference between finishing the race and collapsing on the spot.
As believers, we are in this race together. Part of our goal is to bring the good news of Christ to others all along the race course of life. However, it often is much easier to withhold compassion and avoid getting involved in others' lives. We can't be very good "ambassadors of reconciliation" without encouraging others in life's difficulties and cheering them on when the going is rough.
Build long-term relationships that model Christ's love and truth. People are lonely; many feel hopeless. Your willingness to come alongside of another - perhaps even carry him through - will be a reflection of how Jesus has done that very thing for you.
INSIGHT
God will open doors of opportunity for you to share His love in a spiritually hungry world. Go through them!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Job 35-36
Psalm 59
Luke 22
Thessalonians 5:1-18
The Day of the Lord
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
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