Written by Rev. Craig Moock, pastor, Rural Chapel United Methodist Church in Galena, OH

As I look at practicing faith today, I was drawn to I Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”(NIV) 

As people who have hope in a Risen Savior we are to be an encouragement to one another and to the world.  Right now, people need encouragement more than ever. 

In my interactions with people these days, what I am seeing is that people are doing their best, but that the pressures of their present situations have them running thin.  Some people are at home bored out of their minds, others are overly busy as essential workers while also trying to educate their children at home, high school seniors are grieving the loss of most or all of the events that are supposed to accompany their senior year and money has become a real pressure for others. 

Within those challenges and many others, what can we do as God’s people to encourage someone today? 

For me, I want to remind you that God loves you, God is in this with you, God has a plan for your life and that plan is awesome.  I hope that you were encouraged today!!!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11