1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and edify each other up as you are already doing.”
The ministry of encouragement and edification are two of one anothers on the tremendous list of one anothers that we find in the New Testament. Both are essential for a growing believer to be receiving as well as giving.
Encouragement. How might you define it?
We find from the dictionary that it is to give support. It instills confidence. It conveys there is hope. The basic Biblical idea is that one will be courageous to do and keep at what God has put in their heart.
Edification. How might you define it?
We find in the dictionary it means the instruction that brings improvement. The basic idea from the Bible is to instruct one for the building up or strengthening someone’s spiritual life, faith, and character.
As you DATE 1 Thessalonians 5:11, ponder how valuable someone’s encouragement has been to you. What was said or done that kept you in the race that God has you running?
Regarding edification, who poured into you that you might grow up in the faith? What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned that have made you a more solid and sound believer?
Having looked back on your own life and considered the value of encouragement and edification, how can you now put these two essentials into action? After all, the verse does say these are actions we are to be doing with other believers.
With life having challenges and difficulties as well as life changes demanding new instructions for new seasons, we need encouragement and we need edification. And just as we need it, we have brothers and sisters who need it.
Don’t miss that Paul encouraged the Thessalonians at the end of the verse (as you are already doing!)
Continue Strong giving and getting encouragement and edification,
And remember to daily DATE the Word