ODJ: textcouragement
October 16, 2010
We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness (v.4).
READ: 2 Thessalonians 1
Have you ever received a textcouragement message? You know, a little scrap of encouragement sent via a text message? My friend Myrna sent me this one: “Read Philippians 3:1-11 today if you have time. It blessed me.” My friend Nicole beamed me: “How is the baby’s cough? I’ve been praying for you.”
As Christians, we need to lift up fellow believers. The first chapter of 2 Thessalonians shows how Paul encouraged the church at Thessalonica. The congregation there had trashed their little statues when they turned to Jesus, and as a result the Gentile idol-worshipers were harassing them.
Despite the persecution, Paul noted that the Thessalonians’ faith was flourishing. Their spiritual tenacity prompted him to say, “We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness” (v.4). What an endorsement! If you know some diehard servants of the Lord, give them some good publicity. You’ll not only encourage them, but you’ll also inspire others to keep going for God.
Another way to spur on our spiritual kin is to remind them that persecution due to our faith is temporary. Paul vowed that God would “provide rest for [those] who [were] being persecuted” (v.7). Allowing people to see trials in light of eternity can help snuff out the misery of the moment.
Finally, Paul assured the Thessalonians that he was praying God would enable them “to live a life worthy of His call” (v.11). Promising to pray for people is great. It’s even better when we’re specific about the requests we’ll make on their behalf!
Christians are supposed to “encourage . . . and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11). Today, find some ways to let your words “be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Why do we sometimes let words of encouragement go unsaid? Why does God want us to spur on other believers?
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