A Fellowship of Encouragement

Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, once said that just as a physician might say that there is no one in perfect health, so one might say that there is no one who is not to some extent in despair. All of us feel discouragement, perhaps to the point of dismay at some time in our lives over some area of our lives.

If this is true, then how can we help as a church? We can be a Fellowship of Encouragement. We can help jump-start each other when one another gets low.

In our scripture passage from last week’s sermon, you will recall how Paul acknowledged that the believers in Thessalonica were going through a tough season in which their faith was being tested. So Paul said, “We sent Timothy… to strengthen and ENCOURAGE you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials” (3:2-3). (The word unsettled is perhaps best translated as despair). This passage reminds us that in those times when we fall into despair a little encouragement from another is a welcome thing.

As I mentioned Sunday, it is interesting that the Greek word here for encourage is parakaleo, meaning to come alongside someone and speak to them. It’s the same word Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit is at work in our hearts encouraging us, we can walk along with others too and encourage them.

What are some ways we can find to encourage?

• In the things we say

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). Share words to encourage those in despair.

• In the things we do

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing to help, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:15-17). When we say we love, but our actions betray that, then our words lose their power.

• In the spirit about us

“If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol…if I give all I possess to the poor and surrender by body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1, 3). True encouragement comes from a heart of love.

Encouragement is what we should do and a Fellowship of Encouragement is what we are meant to be. This week find someone to encourage…and who knows—you may end up being encouraged too!

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron