www.brethren.org/givingtuesday
By Traci Rabenstein, executive director of Mission Advancement
The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica: “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mutual encouragement and edification within the Christian community. It highlights the transformative power of words spoken in love and faith.
Edification, or building up one another, is an integral part of all that we do together. Paul’s instruction to “build up one another” underscores the importance of intentional and purposeful interactions within the church. When believers lift each other up, they create a culture of hope, perseverance, and joy (Romans 15:4-5). When believers engage in acts of kindness, service, and prayer, they demonstrate their love for one another and contribute to each other’s spiritual growth (Galatians 6:2). This process involves sharing wisdom, experience, and spiritual gifts to strengthen and mature one another (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Paul’s phrase “just as you also are doing” emphasizes the imperative of ongoing encouragement. The Thessalonians were already practicing mutual edification, and Paul challenged them to continue and deepen this habit. This underscores the importance of making encouragement a regular part of our life together. As we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties as followers of Jesus, we need the support and encouragement of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul reminds us of the vital importance of mutually encouraging one another. As we strive to live out our faith, we build each other up through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and intentional interactions. By doing so, we create a culture of hope, perseverance, and joy, and we demonstrate our love for one another as we journey together toward Christ.
On Giving Tuesday (December 3), join us in celebrating all that we do together as the Church of the Brethren. Together we grow courageous disciples, love and serve one another, extend generosity and witness, and steward God’s blessings. In all that we do together, we intentionally call leaders, connect with our neighbors, cultivate relationships, and encourage stewardship. Together we passionately live as the body of Christ. Together we build up one another and our neighbors near and far. Together we join Jesus in the neighborhood.
Make a gift now or on Giving Tuesday at www.brethren.org/givingtuesday.