Sunday, November 3, 2024

1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Encouragement! We all need it. Encouraging words are life-giving, and Paul knew it when he included these words in his letter to the Thessalonians. They help us persevere when things become difficult. Just as we benefit from other’s encouragement, we are called to offer encouragement to others. 

Today, consider who speaks into your life, and whose life you are speaking into. Then respond to the following questions, reflecting on how you can give the gift of encouragement to others.

Discussion Questions:

• Share a brief story of how someone has recently encouraged you.
• What does encouragement do for people?
• Read Proverbs 18:21, Ephesians 4:29, and Zephaniah 3:17. What do you learn about God and the importance of encouragement?
• How do you know when the right time is for encouragement?
• Who can you encourage this week? What will that look like?

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the encouragement you have given me. Today, help me encourage others. Give me the words to build others up and help them persevere. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, the Director of the LivingItOut.