Encourage the Disheartened

First responders show dedication and courage wherever they are needed. On September 11, 2001, 2983 lives were lost in New York.  More than 400 emergency workers lost their lives.  In Surfside, Florida the Champlain Towers South came crashing to the ground in the middle of the night.  This is an area known for its clean beaches and 12 story buildings are the limit. First responders have been on site 24 hours a day peeling back layer after layer, looking for any survivors and sadly finding only victims. After the attack on the World Trade Center, the Senate designated September 12 as the National Day of Encouragement. There may need to be another day of Encouragement when all the victims are discovered in Surfside, Florida.

Paul commended the young church in Thessalonica, a city in Macedonia, to “encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (I Thessalonians 5:14). Paul encouraged the believers to “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” (vs. 15) Paul knew that as humans, they would be prone to despair, selfishness and conflict but he also knew they would not be able to uplift one another without God’s help and strength.

Things are no different today.  Whether we had loved ones in the Champlain Towers South, or we know some of the emergency workers, or we’re just upset by this tragedy, we all need to be uplifted and do the same for those around us. We can’t do this in our own strength.  That’s why Paul’s encouragement that “the one who calls you (Jesus) is faithful, and He will do it” is so reassuring (vs. 24).  With Jesus’ help we can encourage one another every day.

Prayer – Jesus, thank you for the encouragement You give us each day.  Show me who I need to encourage this day.  Amen.

I Thessalonians 5:14 – We urge you, brothers and sisters… encourage the disheartened.

Author: Tommy Herndon