Encourage One Another

It is an enormous blessing that God, who said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen 2:18), has designed his Church to be a family. Understanding the susceptibility that humans have to the lies and blows of the evil one in isolation (Prov 18:1), he sent his Son to reconcile us, not only with himself but also with one another (2 Cor 5:18). This is to the praise of his glory. The Thessalonians were, “in fact” encouraging one another and building each other up already, but Paul exhorts them to continue to do so.

To encourage one another is to give courage where it is needed. The life to which God has called the Christian to be in this world, but not of it, requires moral courage. Encouragement can be given through prayer for one another, through speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15), and through blessing others with words and deeds. These encouragements are often the difference-maker for someone who is on the edge of falling away. Along with encouragement, building one another up is part of God’s plan to grow us in Christlikeness, holiness, and perfection. This, along with evangelism, is the main goal for participation in the local church.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Thessalonians 5:11

#1 “Therefore…”

After the exhortation to stay awake and prepared for the day of the Lord, which will come like a “thief in the night” (1 Thes 5:2), Paul calls on them to be “children of the day” who have received the salvation of Christ. The instruction in verse 11 concludes the section.

#2 “…encourage one another and build each other up,”

The primary encouragement Paul commanded by Paul is so that they can be prepared for the return of Christ, which very well may come when they least expect it. The encouragement should be to live as Christians who await his coming, rather than the “children of the night” (1 Thes 5:5), who get drunk and live in darkness. It seems there may have been some problems to this end with the congregation in Thessalonica. 

#3 “just as in fact you are doing.”

Paul acknowledges that he is telling them something they already know. His message seems to be, “I know you are doing this, but keep it up, even do it more.”  ~ Connect Us

Father, I know Your Word says to say things that edify, build up, correct in love, and confirm (1 Thessalonians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2). Words of condemnations, slander, complaining, griping, and gossip or accusation are not of You. They are sin (James 5:9).

I have said words that did not edify, exhort, correct in love or confirm. I take responsibility for those words. They are sin. Take this sin from me, put it on the cross of Jesus, and on the day of judgment, hold no accusations against me. I renounce those words in Jesus' name. I ask you to bless those whom I have said bad words about."

People have said words about me that did not edify, exhort, correct in love or confirm. That is sin. Take the sin from them, put it on the cross of Jesus and on the day of judgment, hold no accusations against them. They are free. I choose to release them from this, and those words are no broken off me, in Jesus's name." ~Prayers Healing the Whole Man Handbook by Joan Hunter