June 24, 2024

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (HCSB)
Exhortations and Blessings
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us also. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Nick Corbin
To have full context of the verses we read here, Paul starts off chapter 5 writing about the coming day of the Lord. How we should “Live in self control, with the armor of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation.” Encouragement is the word of the day, maybe not on your Wordle; It should be for us! Building one another up in encouragement and helping one another shows love in action. The best way to stay away from evil (defense) is to spread love and encouragement (offense). Encourage those around you this week! We're all going through something, and we need to hear more encouragement.