You have probably heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Unfortunately, this statement is completely false. Words can be incredibly hurtful. The truth of the matter is that words are powerful. For better or worse, words affect us. They can build us up, or they can tear us down. Scripture teaches us about the power of words and calls followers of Christ to be encouragers with our words, building people up.
The apostle Paul understood the immense value of encouragement. He wrote about this in 1 Thessalonians 5. In this chapter, he wrote about the good news that Jesus came to offer salvation to all who believe in Him so that they can live with Him forever (verse 10). He then wrote these words, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (verse 10). In light of all Jesus had done, Paul called followers of Christ to carry on a spirit of encouragement. This encouragement, according to Paul, builds others up. It gives them strength, confidence, and empowerment.
This call from Paul is a reminder for you and me of the power of our words. We can tear down, and we can build up with our very words. The question is, will we take this call seriously? Will we choose to use our words to encourage others, building them up, empowering them, and offering strength to keep going? This is the calling you and I have today. We have the profoundly important opportunity to speak words of life and encouragement. May you and I be known for the way we encouraged others around us through our words and actions. If sticks and stones can break our bones, encouragement is used to heal and lift others up. Let’s be people who lift up the people around us.
Take a few moments and think about how people’s words have impacted you, for better or for worse. If you would like, write about these moments in your journal. Next, pray. Ask God to give you a spirit of encouragement. Ask Him to use your words to encourage and lift up the people you encounter. As you go throughout your day, look for opportunities to spread that encouragement.
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Paul’s Final Advice
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
Paul’s Final Greetings
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.
I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
