Encourage One Another

By Nancy Sugikawa

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Just after college, I attended a Christian workshop where we were asked to draw a picture of our future “dream home,” the place we would love to live one day. We were told to assume we had access to all the resources we needed, so many of us drew large, beautiful homes at the top of a hill, far away from the city. A few homes were on a private island, while many were surrounded by acres of trees, mountains, and rivers. After taping up all the pictures we had drawn, we noticed that each of us had created an ideal life that was totally isolated from other people, as well as from the chaos and struggles of ordinary life. But was this really the kind of life Jesus called us to live as Christ-followers?

In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul writes to young believers who have been experiencing trials and persecution because of their faith. He assures them of the power and presence of Jesus and exhorts them to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Similarly, the author of the book of Hebrews writes to those being pressured to revert to their old beliefs, imploring these new believers to encourage one another. The author tells them not to give up meeting together, but to stay connected and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Neither author writes about escaping from the pressures of life and faith or withdrawing from places of pain or confusion. Instead, they exhort their readers to draw close to one another, communing regularly, providing comfort, and challenging each other to remain faithful to Jesus.

The key to encouragement is proximity—physical, emotional, and spiritual closeness. We need to be close enough to share our fears and doubts and to remind each other of God’s promises. We need to be close enough to know we are not alone, that someone understands and will walk beside us.

A member of our church, David, volunteered to lead a new Bible study for some disconnected young adults. Those who joined the group came from diverse backgrounds and seemed more comfortable on their electronic devices than sharing their feelings, hopes, or concerns. Many were introverts, so David struggled to build a sense of mutuality and cohesion.

Then one day David discovered that he had cancer and needed both surgery and radiation therapy. He decided to tell the group about his illness even as he was processing his own grief and fears. The news shook up the group as everyone expressed their concerns, determined to bring meals and provide rides for him. One person suggested they lay hands on David to pray for him. Everyone broke down and cried.

As David recovered from his surgery and radiation, the group continued to meet to study Scripture, pray, and coordinate meals and rides for him. Soon, each member began to share their own needs, fears, and joys as well. When David returned to the group, he was amazed to see how close and how strong the faith of the group members had become. He had felt called to encourage them, but now he was overwhelmed by how much they encouraged him.

Drawing close enough to experience encouragement takes intentionality and sacrifice. We sacrifice comfort, our own agenda, and even our own dreams so we can be fully present with one another.

Reflection Questions

• How might God be calling you to come near to someone who needs encouragement today?
• How might you invite those who are disconnected to draw closer in Christian community so they can encourage others and be encouraged themselves?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give us courage to draw near to you and to one another even when it feels scary, costly, or inconvenient. Help us resist the temptation to isolate ourselves or think we are self-sufficient. Instead, help us overcome fear and pride, and intentionally invite intimacy and interdependence. As we encourage others toward faith and faithfulness, may we be encouraged ourselves. Amen.