Encourage

Bible mandates us, "But encourage one another and build each other up.." (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Two words are given together - encourage and build each other. 

What does encouragement include?

1. God said to Moses. "...your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it." (Deuteronomy 1:38). Then added "...commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see." (3:28). To encourage then is to enable a person to take on leadership position. 
2. King David used his words to encourage his army. In 2 Samuel 11:25, he said "Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.". This was a word in upsetting defeat situation. And in 19:7 when David did not come to welcome after the victory, the army was upset. In this case, David just stood at the entrance and welcome them. Similar idea is in Job 16:5 "...comfort from my lips would bring you relief." Paul comforted sailors and ate food together (Acts 27:36). To encourage is to alleviate an upset situation with relevant words and actions.
3. From a prayer, "You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." (Psalms 10:17). Similarly in Isaiah 1:17 "Encourage the oppressed". To encourage is to listen to the desires and pain of those in trouble.
4. In Acts 15:30-32 "So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers." The Antioch church needed specific clarifications on the new faith. They were encouraged when they received it. To encourage is to guide in faith so that the believers are strengthen. It can come by letter or speaking.
5. Ephesians 6:22 "I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you." Similar method is in Colossians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 3:2. To encourage is to share news of our lives and affirm the teachings of Scriptures. Personal visit or a representation was used. 
6. Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18, also 5:11). The teaching of the Bible in general and specifically the coming of the Lord is a great encouragement to Christians. To encourage is to open the word to affirm and re-tell fellow believers.
7. Encourament is a major function of a church leader. It is mention with preach, correct, rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2) The leader is to encourage by giving sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), encourage the timid (1 Thessalonians 5:14), teach the young men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:6). This is to be done with all authority (Titus 2:15). 
8. Barnabas went to Antioch. "When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." (Acts 11:23). Paul and Silas did the same at Lydia's house (Acts 16:40). To encourage is to affirm what the believers are doing good is right.
9. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.(Acts 18:27). To encourage is to recommend, sponsor, so that one can do the Lord's minister better.
10. Paul was greatly encouraged when brothers came to see when he arrived Rome as a prisoner (Acts 28:15-16). To encourage is to visit the lonely.
11. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.(1 Corinthians 14:31). To encourage is to give God's Word.
12. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(Philippians 1:14). Paul's example produce courage in believers. In 1 Thessalonians 3:7, faith of Thessalonians encouraged Paul, the church founder. To encourage is to be a model of Christian faith. 

The Bible recognized people who are gifted to encourage (Romans 12:8). But we are all commanded to encourage each other (Hebrews 10:25) because believers can influence each other's faith (Romans 1:12). That too on daily basis (Hebrews 3:13). 

Remembering Promises of God

Departure of a beloved member is a great pain for all of us in our church. During this time, there is not much we can do to comfort each other. But it a good time for all of us to remember, the promises Jesus made to all those who follow him. I would like to mention just three of them as reminder for us who believes in him. 

First, Jesus promised heaven. Jesus said, "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2-3 NIV). May our heart be fixed for that place where we will spend eternity with our God.

Second, we have hope for resurrection our mortal bodies. In John 11:25-26, Jesus said, "'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." Physical death is not the end for us. 

Third, there won't be death. "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (I Corinthians 15:26). Physical defirmities and death reign all creation. But there will be a day when our Lord shall abolish death. 

These words are short but all has reference for our future existence. Our God has plans for us beyond the earthly life. He is long-term focussed. 

May our heart be comforted with these words. 

(Shared at a memorial service of a member of our church, 29 August 2020).