Encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11): Meaning, Reflection and Prayer

What does “Encouragement” mean in 1 Thessalonians 5:11?

The Greek word parakaleo means to come alongside and comfort or urge on. The word for edify means to build up, like constructing a house piece by piece.

Going deeper

Paul is writing to a young church that is facing pressure and questions. He asks them to do something simple and powerful: comfort each other and build each other up. Then he adds a note of affirmation, even as also ye do. He notices that they are already doing it, and that noticing is itself an encouragement. It is a good pattern to follow.

Encouragement is often small. It is a text message, a kind word after a service, a note saying, I saw what you did, and it mattered. It costs little, yet it can change someone's whole week. Think of one person who has been carrying a heavy load or working quietly without thanks. Tell them specifically what you have seen in them that is good. Building up is like adding stones to a wall, and each word of encouragement is one more. Even a sentence can carry more weight than we imagine.