Encouragement And Love Amidst Trials
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 1 Thessalonians 3 and Psalm 78:40-72 (NIV)
(Tho Lye Sam, LPC Chairperson)
READ
The following verses stood out for me in 1 Thessalonians 3:
- V2 to 3: We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.
- V7 to 8: Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
- V12: May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
OBSERVE:
It is important to provide, receive spiritual support and encouragement within the Christian community. Paul was blocked by Satan to see the Thessalonians. However, he didn’t give up and sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.
We should anticipate trials and troubles in our Christian journeys; however, we should not be disturbed by them. Our faith and character can be strengthened through trials, and we should uplift one another during our times of distress, especially those who are new to their faith.
It is important to love, and pray for one another, not just within the Christian community, but for all.
APPLY:
As a Christian, I should uplift my fellow believers who need support and encouragement in times of distress in their spiritual journeys.
I must recognise that trials and troubles are part of my life. Being a Christian does not immunise me from difficulties. Instead of relying on myself and my own judgement, I must rely on God who is my source of strength in adversity. Standing firm in my faith can be a source of encouragement to others, including pre-believers.
DO:
I will:
Make a more conscious effort to offer words of encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ, extend help to those in need, or simply be present to listen and pray with them.
Cultivate a strong prayer life, ask God for strength when I am facing trials, and guidance navigating challenging situations.
Look for opportunities to show kindness, compassion and love to those I encounter in my daily life, whether they are fellow believers or not.
Ask God to help me love as He loves me, and to show His love through words and deeds to those around me.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for being my source of strength, my helper and deliverer. I pray that in the face of trials, I will trust in your purpose and remain steadfast, knowing that through challenges, you are building my character and drawing me close to you. Help me to grow in faith, love and yieldedness so that I can be an encouragement to others in their journeys with you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
