Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 11Sample

Today's chapter is 1 Thessalonians 5, and I'd like us to take a closer look at verse 11 from the CSB translation.

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

Paul writes this letter to the Church in Thessalonica, encouraging them to stay vigilant and self-controlled as they await the day of the Lord, the day that Jesus will return.

There’s something about kids at Christmas, isn’t there? When they know Christmas is only a couple of days away, they will behave a little bit more, maybe be a bit more aware of whether they are on the “naughty” or “nice” list. But if you were to check in with that same child in January, all bets are off. Christmas is still a long way away, so why be on their best behavior? And it’s almost as if Paul addresses this kind of mentality when he encourages the Church in Thessalonica not to get lax in being self-controlled and loving God and others, but to wear their faith, love, and salvation as armor as they live in step with God every day. It’s also a call to not just live like everyone else but to live like today could be our last day before we pass into Heaven.

Let me ask you, what would you do differently if you knew Jesus was coming back today? Then why aren’t we? Let’s live for God today, and tomorrow, and the next.

But Paul knows this isn’t easy to do. That’s why he says to them in verse 11: “Continue to encourage and build each other up.” We are not running this race alone. Who is in your camp, cheering you on as you live fully for Jesus? Who are you cheering on as they do the same?