Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thess. 4:18)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I have occasionally been told that I am an encouraging person. However, I know that is definitely not always the case. On two or three occasions I have tried to compliment someone or cheer them up when they are a little down, but instead of having an encouraging effect, I somehow managed to insult them!
Some people are just not gifted at encouraging others. No matter how hard they try, it just does not seem to work. Sometimes it is simply best to stick with the Scriptures. In fact, it is essential that believers do. God’s Word is always applicable and can always point people in the direction of God’s life-bringing truth. Even in the darkest situations, God is the light shining in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome him. So much of the world is wandering around in the darkness, desperate and without true hope. No matter what situations God’s people face, they are never alone. The Lord walks through even the darkest of valleys, armed with his rod and his staff. That is why it is so important that believers cling to the Lord in all situations. When life’s difficulties strike unexpectedly, it is passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 that can serve as important reminders of hope in Christ. God and his Word can always lift his people up, encouraging them to press on.
Encourage one another, knowing there is always hope in Christ.
Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
