How can you encourage fellow believers to be your "glory and joy"? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Heartbeat in 1 Thessalonians 2:20 “Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:20) Paul is writing as a spiritual father who measures success, not by numbers or reputation, but by the faithfulness of the people he has poured into. Their perseverance in Christ will shine as his “crown” when Jesus returns. We can share that same heartbeat today. Seeing Fellow Believers through Eternity’s Lens • Look at brothers and sisters as eternal partners, not casual acquaintances. • Recognize that every act of mutual strengthening is an investment that will be celebrated “in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). • Remember Philippians 4:1: “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord.” Our joy grows as others stand firm. Five Practical Ways to Encourage Believers toward ‘Glory and Joy’ 1. Celebrate Evidences of Grace • Speak up when you spot growth: “I’ve noticed how you handled that conflict with gentleness—praise God for what He’s doing in you.” • Proverbs 12:25 reminds us, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” 2. Share Life, Not Just Lessons • Paul worked “night and day” among the Thessalonians (2:9). Open your home, include others in ordinary routines, show them how faith functions in real time. • Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” 3. Speak Truth with Tender Boldness • “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) is more than compliments; it includes loving correction. • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” 4. Stir Up Hope in Christ’s Return • Paul’s joy is anchored in the future unveiling of glory. Keep eternity in view when trials hit. • Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembly… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” 5. Persevere in Prayer and Presence • Press on even when relationships are messy. Paul was “torn away… in person, not in heart” (2:17). He kept praying, sending Timothy, writing letters. • 3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” What Happens When We Live This Way? • The church becomes a showcase of Christ’s transforming power. • Personal discouragement diminishes; shared victories multiply joy. • At Christ’s appearing, those we’ve built up will stand beside us as living trophies of His grace (1 Peter 5:4). Invest deliberately. Speak life. Walk alongside. Do it all with the finish line in view, and watch fellow believers become your “glory and joy.” |
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