Strengthen and encourage others during trials
In 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3, Paul says that they sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage people in the faith so they wouldn’t be unsettled by these trials. These words struck me that such a time as we live in now needs people to strengthen and encourage others because the trials are unprecedented, unsettling.
Advice to strengthen and encourage others
In chapters 4 and 5, he gives the following advice:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands. This will gain you respect and help you to not be dependent on anyone.
Be alert and self-controlled to know what is happening around you. Encourage one another and build each other up. (He repeats this so it is important for us to especially remember this.)
Warn the idle. (That reiterates the keeping busy with your own hands, don’t you think?)
Encourage the timid.
Help the weak.
Be patient with everyone.
Try to be kind to everyone.
Be joyful always.
Pray continually.
Give thanks in all circumstances.
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid evil.
Good advice, huh? It seems fitting for this time we are living in.
How to implement the advice
Let’s keep busy being productive in meaningful work not wasting our time binging on television or video games. Reading expands your mind. Read all sorts of materials, but perhaps just one newspaper so you aren’t overcome by all the grim statistics and mantra that instills a deep fear and causes suspicious minds.
Share good news. If you know people who are afraid, build them up so that they can look past this time to the future; bless them with hope.
Help care for the sick and hurting.
Work on your patience. Tempers flare these days after being cooped up and stuck, after being fed grave headlines.
Turn up the music and dance. Laugh.
When darkness threatens, as it does during uncertain times, talk with God, the only One who can save us and help us and get us through this. Thank Him for all the little blessings, as well as the big ones. Thank Him for what He is teaching us now. Perhaps one lesson is that we are stronger than we give ourselves credit.
This season shall soon pass. One day, we’ll look upon it and tell our younger family members of how we persevered.
A big recommendation I found in this list was the last one: Test everything. Yes, some lies are being spread. Some people have hidden agendas or evil intentions. Let’s be alert and watchful for such as these. But let’s not get sucked down into the pit of despair thinking it is all bad. Remember the good. Bring attention to a misrepresentation or misguided comment, but do it with kindness.
I believe kindness was mentioned often in the above passages.
We’re going to get through this, friends. Remember that God works all things out for His glory and our good. He can take our shattered pieces and remake them into something beautiful and glorious. Meanwhile, we can do our part by encouraging each other and being kind.
Each of us matters. Each of us has a struggle we’re facing so may compassion be our battle cry.
How are you doing in this pandemic? If you need prayer, let me know.
10 Replies to “Strengthen and encourage others during trials”
Great article, Michelle. Very encouraging and good reminder to act in away that aligns with our values in Jesus. Thanks for sharing!
I am glad that you liked it and were encouraged, Sharmi. Thanks for letting me know.
A wonderful message. Thank you.
I am glad you enjoyed my blog, Melissa. Thank you so much for letting me know.
I agree with Sharmila. Encouraging , having compassion for each other, and being kind, are so important ALL the time, but especially during these difficult days. I try to embrace thankfulness/gratefulness as often as possible. God is still on the throne and He is still blessing us as usual. We might have to look for them a little harder, but they are there.
I agree, Donna. They are there if we can quiet all the competing “noise”. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today.
I shared this with my Christian Horse Friends Michelle. Good reminders. I find myself feeling more kind when I am out and about, especially to store clerks who have to be afraid for themselves and their families. There is only so much precautions will do. Some people are rude, not following simple guidelines (like 1-way aisles in Walmart) and it just makes things harder for employees who show up everyday so we can still go to a store, buy groceries and other essential things we need. Everyone talks about the medical profession, and they do indeed deserve a HUGE thank you, but so do these underpaid employees who are there when we need them.
Thank you for sharing my post with your friends, Deb! I’m glad it spoke to you. Yes, everyone benefits when we remember that each of us has our own set of stresses in this and shares kindness and gratitude because we really do need each other and the many services provided for us. The guidelines are simple and may be the new normal.
Yes, great advice! It’s not difficult or costly to be kind, patient, joyful and thankful.
Thanks, Shari.