“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, New Living Translation)
This is one of my favorite verses. One of my “go-to” verses. One of my core verses. I have likely mentioned it before in previous posts. I mentioned it in a sermon last Sunday when I was preaching from another text. When I am working with churches, I guarantee this verse will be prominent in the process.
Why?
Because it takes the emphasis off “me” and puts it on “we.” It moves the focus from “where we are” to “where we are going.” And it offers affirmation as well as instruction. Let’s look at those in order:
“Each other” – The community of faith is not simply a collection of individuals in a common location. It is life shared together. Christ followers will self-isolate if there is not an intentional focus on “we.” Personal faith can easily become private faith. There is no Biblical support for such an approach.
“Encourage” and “build up” – These are goal-oriented. They are not words that mean “make somebody feel good.” They are words that are focused on infusing courage and strength into each other to face the journey ahead. To put too much focus on making someone “feel good” about where they are is to risk hindering their journey with God.
“Just as you are already doing” – There is, however, a need to affirm the positive present as we point toward God’s preferred future. Instruction without affirmation does not build.
My friend and mentor, Val Hastings, taught me about the “sandwich” method of feedback: begin with the soft bread (affirmation), then move to the meat (constructive observations of growth areas), and another piece of bread (another affirmation).
Question: What might happen in your life of faith if you were engaged in an encouraging and strengthening community?
If you are engaged in such a community, would you share an example of how the principles here are being lived out in your community?
