29th. July. 2020. Daily Devotion
1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
Encouragement is something we all need and the ability to be good encouragers is a grace which we can all cultivate. When we become aware of the commitment and faithfulness and talents of another, even if they are the same as our own, it is always gracious to acknowledge them. Here is a brief commentary on the above passage:
What a beautiful message from the Apostle Paul to every Christian in Christendom. He starts by telling us to encourage each other in our faith. People rarely get encouragement in church, at least not directly; so how can we do it?
There is a hint in Paul’s terminology, for he uses a term remarkably like “edify” in English. To “edify”, meaning to teach someone, comes from a root that means, literally, “to build”. (In modern English, edifice means a building, particularly a large or imposing one.) The Greek word is exactly parallel: it is derived from the Greek verb meaning “to build”.
So, Paul gives us simultaneous meanings. We should enlighten each other and “build each other up.” This could be as simple as sharing our witness with someone else, to let them hear that another person shares their love of Christ and conviction in Him; or it might mean, if we know something useful, we speak up, not fearing embarrassment.
People who teach or lead at church need encouragement, as well. We are told to love and respect those who work and those who teach. Paul makes up a word to describe how much we need to do this. He starts with a superlative, “most exceedingly” (or “exceedingliest”) and adds a “super-” to the beginning. (He was not one to avoid overstatement.) How about it?
Samuel Johnson’s 1764 prayer to Do God’s Will in Our Work
O God, who hast ordained that whatever is to be desired should be sought by labour, and who by thy blessing bringest honest labour to good effect, look with mercy upon my studies and endeavours. Grant me, O Lord, to design only what is lawful and right; and afford me calmness of mind and steadiness of purpose, that I may so do thy will in this short life, as to obtain happiness in the world to come, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For Those in Prisons
Lord, you offer freedom to all who come to you through Christ. Grant knowledge of this freedom to all who are incarcerated and for those who are affected by their imprisonment. Break the bonds of fear and isolation. Support with your love prisoners, their families, friends, prison staff and all who care about them.
Heal those who have been wounded by the activities of others, especially the victims of crime. Help them and us always to forgive one another, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly together with Christ, in his strength and his spirit, now and every day. Amen.
Dedication to Service
Now, oh heavenly Father, I ask to be called as a witness to your love by the love I extend to others; a precursor of your justice by my unfailing commitment to what is right and good; a lamp set on a hill, reflecting the light of Christ in my forgiveness, mercy and compassion; and a harvester of souls through my humble and dedicated servanthood. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
For Health Workers
Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us. Strengthen those who work among the sick; give them courage and confidence in everything they do. Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails. Increase their trust in your power even to overcome death and pain and crying. May they be thankful for every sign of health you give, and humble before the mystery of your healing grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — the Book of Common Worship, John Knox Press.
