Gift of Encouragement

Your faith is growing more and more, 

and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4

Have you ever received a word of encouragement just when you were ready to give up? A few sincere words can restore our confidence and give us strength to continue. Writing to the Thessalonians, who were facing persecution and trials, Paul begins not with criticism but with thanksgiving: “Your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Eugene Peterson describes Paul as “a priest of praise.” He saw the believers not as problems to be solved or workers to be used, but as people in whom God’s grace was at work. William Barclay suggests that Paul’s words could have strengthened believers who doubted their ability to persevere. Quoting Mark Rutherford, he writes, “Blessed are those who heal us of our self-despisings.” Paul noticed their growth and thanked God for it.

Paul commended three qualities: growing faith, increasing love, and steadfast endurance (vv. 3–4). Their circumstances had not necessarily improved, but God’s grace was strengthening them. Their faith was deepening, their love was expanding, and they continued trusting Christ through hardship. Paul did not praise them for being perfect; he recognized their progress. His encouragement was not empty flattery but a truthful acknowledgment of what God was doing. Scripture urges us to do likewise: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Sometimes a word of appreciation helps someone recognize God’s work in their own life and find the courage to continue.

Good stewardship includes more than caring for our own spiritual growth. God has entrusted us with opportunities to encourage others. Perhaps a family member needs appreciation, a friend needs reassurance, or someone serving quietly in church needs to know their faithfulness has not gone unnoticed. Today, instead of focusing only on what others lack, let us look for signs of God’s grace and speak of them with gratitude. A faithful steward recognizes what God is growing in others and helps that growth continue. Our words may become the encouragement someone needs to take another step of faith.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for Your grace at work in us and in those around us. Give us eyes to recognize growing faith, love, and perseverance. Teach us to encourage those who struggle and express gratitude for those who serve. May our words strengthen others and bring glory to Christ. 

Amen.