Be An Encourager.
The command to be an encourager is found throughout the Bible.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23, the Apostle Paul gives the following 16 examples of how we can be an encourager:
1. BUILD EACH OTHER UP
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) says:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Example: Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her.
2. RESPECT LEADERS
1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NIV) says:
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.”
Example: Look for ways to cooperate and help.
3. HOLD LEADERS IN HIGHEST REGARD
1 Thessalonians 5:13 (NIV) says:
“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
Example: Hold back your next critical comment about those in positions of responsibility. Say “Thank You” to your leaders for their efforts.
4. LIVE IN PEACE
1 Thessalonians 5:13 (NIV) says:
“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
Example: Search for ways to get along with others.
5. WARN THE IDLE
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV) says:
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Example: Challenge someone to join you in a project.
6. ENCOURAGE THE TIMID
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV) says:
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Example: Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God’s promises.
7. HELP THE WEAK
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV) says:
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Example: Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them.
8. BE PATIENT
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV) says:
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Example: Think of a situation that tries your patience and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.
9. RESIST REVENGE
1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV) says:
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Example: Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.
10. BE JOYFUL
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) says:
“Rejoice always,”
Example: Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.
11. PRAY CONTINUALLY
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) says:
“Pray continually,”
Example: God is always with you – talk to Him.
12. GIVE THANKS
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) says:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Example: Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.
13. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NIV) says:
“Do not quench the Spirit.”
Example: Cooperate with the Spirit the next time He prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.
14. DO NOT TREAT PROPHECIES WITH CONTEMPT
1 Thessalonians 5:20 (NIV) says:
“Do not treat prophecies with contempt.”
Example: Receive God’s Word from those who speak for Him. But, always check out their message in your Bible for truth and accuracy.
15. REJECT EVERY KIND OF EVIL
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NIV) says:
“Reject every kind of evil.”
Example: Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation.
16. COUNT ON GOD’S CONSTANT HELP
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) says:
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Example: Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God’s power.
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