Freedom in encouragement

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). That's what Paul told the church at Thessalonica. He knew there was freedom -- which is another way of saying, independence -- in encouragement. And as the verse says, encouragement means to build up, as well as, to boost, inspire, and motivate. That's what Paul did for people. It was one of his gifts.

Thus, he encouraged people to help each other and to lift each other up. Who doesn't agree with that? Of course that's what we need to do too. We all need encouragement sometimes. It doesn't matter who we are and what position we're in. I know how it is to be down and out and I know that encouragement is a two-way street -- a give and receive transaction, if you will. So, if you need encouragement today, give it and receive it, because there's freedom in encouragement. Peace and joy to you. May, "the amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you!" (1 Thessalonians 5:28).

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