In what ways can we encourage others to live worthy of God's calling? The Call Stated “We encouraged you and comforted you and pleaded with you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Defining a “Worthy Walk” • Ephesians 4:1 — walk “worthy of the calling.” • Colossians 1:10 — bear fruit, please Him “in every way,” grow in knowledge. • Philippians 1:27 — live “worthy of the gospel of Christ.” A worthy walk means consistent obedience, visible fruit, Christ-centered motives, and a forward look to the kingdom and glory promised. Ways We Encourage Others • Model the walk – 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” – Daily repentance, Scripture-shaped choices, observable joy. • Speak life-giving words – Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” – Affirm steps of obedience; highlight God’s work in them. • Offer patient instruction – 2 Timothy 4:2: “Reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with every form of patient instruction.” – Explain doctrine, clarify Scripture, answer doubts with truth. • Comfort in trials – 2 Corinthians 1:4: God “comforts us…so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – Sit with them, pray Scripture over them, remind them of eternal hope. • Spur toward action – Hebrews 10:24: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” – Invite them into service projects, ministry teams, mission opportunities. • Carry burdens – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens.” – Practical help—meals, childcare, financial aid—so they can keep running. • Guard against sin’s deceitfulness – Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily…so that none…be hardened.” – Ask direct, loving accountability questions; celebrate victories over temptation. • Remind of identity and destiny – 1 Peter 2:9: “A chosen people…to proclaim the praises of Him.” – Keep the coming kingdom and glory before their eyes (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Everyday Settings for Encouragement • Around the table: share what God taught you today. • In text threads: send a verse and a brief application. • At church foyer: note someone’s service and thank them. • During work breaks: speak of God’s faithfulness rather than office gossip. • Family devotions: highlight progress in children’s character. • Small groups: give space for testimonies of answered prayer. Guardrails for Encouragers • Stay anchored in Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Keep humility—point to Christ, not self (John 3:30). • Combine truth with grace (John 1:14). • Maintain confidentiality; build trust. • Pray for wisdom before speaking (James 1:5). Expected Fruit • Stronger faith communities marked by love (John 13:35). • Believers equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). • A clear witness to outsiders who observe our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). • Growing anticipation of “His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). |
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