I Thessalonians
5:1-11
“Therefore, encourage one another and build
up each other, as indeed you are
doing.”
(I Thessalonians
5:11)
Paul is writing to first-century Christians who
believe that Christ will return at any moment. They are to live in readiness.
Part of that readiness was a growing relationship with their brothers and
sisters in Christ. The hardships they
faced demanded a dependency on one another.
To remain faithful to the end, they needed each other.
In pondering Christ’s return, twenty-first century
Christians are to live in readiness as well.
Like our first century brothers and sisters, encouragement is key to
growing relationships. In building one
another up, we grow in our understanding of community and the shared calling we
have to bring Christ to the world about us. We are children of the light and as
such, are called to exemplary, anticipatory living, ready in our words,
thoughts, and actions to welcome Christ among
us.
Take a moment today to ponder how you can encourage
and build up a brother or sister in Christ. That is an Advent gift that will
make a difference.
Prayer: May we be found faithful, Lord, encouraging
and building one another up as we wait anxiously for your return.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
No comments:
Post a Comment