Encouragement

1Thessalonians 5:9-11

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together  with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.


When a family member or a friend takes part in a marathon, you may go to watch them run, giving them support.  As they pass you, you will cheer them on giving them encouragement to carry on and finish the race.  Jesus wants us to encourage people, not discourage.  It distinctly tells us in 1Thessalonians 5:11,to encourage one another and build each other up in the faith.

I agree 100% in this but what about others?  Throughout the Bible
it speaks of encouragement.  Encourageing the faithfull to carry on in their faith and to build them up so that they would go on and win the race for Christ.

But I do not believe that it is only those who have asked Jesus into their lives as Lord and Saviour.  I believe it goes beyond that, and to even non-believers.  There are many of us who are Christians but our families are not.  Do we forget them?  No, whether we are Christians or not everyone deserves to be encouraged.  Yes, let us encourage and build each other up in the faith, but don't forget about others.