Enabled to Encourage
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
"...think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us... if it is encouraging, let him encourage."
(Romans 12:3, 6, 8)
The message of the encourager comes out of and goes back to the grace of God in Christ. Encouragement is not just "steps to success," though it may sometimes include those. Bookstore shelves are filled with "top sellers" outlining success strategies. But the heart that has been moved by and captured by Christ has the encouragement that surpasses all others.
Paul tells us to encourage others if, by the grace of the Lord, we have been given the ability to do so. Take every opportunity to be an encouragement to others and not tear them down. "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Perhaps you've been the recipient of encouragement from a friend. Thank God today for him or her. But even if that is not so, know that you have been the recipient of encouragement coming from the Word of God. Where you find Christ's words of encouragement, love and hope, you find the Bible outshining any book you could buy.
INSIGHT
"May our Lord...who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts..."
(2 Thessalonians 2:16)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 61-62
Psalm 101
Acts 24-25
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[b] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
b. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions
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