November 24, 2024

I Thessalonians 5.11, 13, 15 (NIV)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. . . . Live in peace with each other . . . always try to be kind to each other.

We should seize every opportunity to give encouragement. It is oxygen to the soul.*

Movies are often based on actual events. Once that disclaimer is delivered, they are free to take liberties with history. So picture with me a scenario between Paul and the Thessalonian Christians – based very loosely on actual events – in which Paul informs them that Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as you love yourself. And they reply, “Really? How do we do that?” And Paul says, “Well, you could start by encouraging one another . . .”

Perhaps it didn't happen exactly like that but something motivated Paul to include this admonition in his letter to the Thessalonians. Do you suppose Paul ever got frustrated with having to squander so much of his papyrus on telling Christians what loving each other looks like? Someone has said that the church is more than just a group of people who agree in their beliefs.* That’s for sure. We don’t always even agree on what we believe!

You can’t escape your biological family - your weird cousin is still your cousin even if you manage to avoid him. Our church family is not always made up of the easy-to-love, either. But if we follow Paul’s instructions to encourage, build up, live in peace, and be kind, we might find that the family of God is a more inviting place for the lost.

Misfits have always been included in God’s family tree, and we are no exceptions.*