A Spectacle Of Glory #249

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14

We may look strong and stable as believers. But any thinking Christian knows he or she can’t survive apart from relationships with other believers. When bitter winds of adversity blow, we need each other’s support. When our minds are gripped by perplexity and we don’t know which way to turn, we need the counsel, the perspective, and the listening ear of a friend.

God engineered us so we require the intertwining of genuine give-and-take fellowship. Even Jesus needed this. On the last night of His life, when the storms of satanic opposition began howling around Him, He asked for help: “Stay here and watch with Me.”^a If Jesus sought support from his disciples in the midst of His trials, how much more do we need our brothers and sisters? Today’s Scripture reads, “Encourage one another and build each other up.” You need Jesus today. You also need His people. And they need you.

Father, keep me from living so independently, so separately from others. Show me how I might encourage, affirm, or build up the people I come into contact with today. I need discernment from Your Holy Spirit to know when to speak and what to say, and to know when to be silent and simply be there.