ADVANCE: A Revival DevotionalSample

Advance In Encouragement

Have you ever thought that encouragement was your responsibility?

In 1 Thessalonians 5: 11, Paul seems to acknowledge that the believers in Thessalonica were already building each other up, however, he still felt the need to remind them. Wouldn’t you feel perplexed if someone came to you to remind you of something you were already doing? 

When you were young, your parents might have reminded you to brush your teeth or to wash your hands before dinner more times than you can count. Even if you knew that you had to do it, they took the time to remind you because they understood that it was valuable. These are not once-in-a-while things we do; they are habits that help us take care of the body. 

The author of 1 Thessalonians appears to value encouragement as essential for the well-being of the body of Christ. Even though the believers were already encouraging each other, Paul emphasizes it again so that encouragement wouldn’t simply be a momentous activity, but a habit. Is encouragement a part of your daily lifestyle or is it an afterthought?

Is encouragement your lifestyle or a luxury? 

Our world longs for encouragement. God has a plan and a purpose for your life, and one of our responsibilities is to be known as a people full of encouragement, advancing in encouragement, because, if it is not us, who will? We are the ones called to encourage, to build each other up, so that we may be ready in every season. 

Your encouragement can change your life and others. Think about Barnabas who encouraged Paul and helped to lay a foundation for a world-changing ministry!  Imagine being known as a “son or daughter of encouragement”! 

Action Questions: 

What would it take to make encouragement a daily habit in your life?

Who in your world can you step out and encourage today?

Prayer: Father, I pray that you would use me to encourage those around me. Help me to make encouragement a part of my lifestyle and not simply a luxury. May I be known for advancing in encouragement, that you may be glorified in the midst of my life. Amen.