One of my favorite people in the New Testament is Barnabas.  The name means "Son of Encouragement."  He was definitely that!  Barnabas encouraged the church in Jerusalem to accept Saul, the recently converted Pharisee, who had been working to destroy the church before Jesus intervened directly in Saul's life.  That Saul is the same one who became known as Paul and penned these words to the believers at Thessalonica after telling us about what happens to those who die before Jesus returns:  ¹⁸So encourage each other with these words.

Paul knew encouragement first hand, from the "Son of Encouragement."  He also knew it first hand from the Lord.  He shared it first hand with the Thessalonian believers, because he knew that even after they heard his explanation about what happens to those who die before Jesus returns, they would need to be encouraged to live it out in faith.   Encouragement is so vital in our lives, especially when we are going through seasons of grief and loss.  I'm so grateful to God for providing a loving church family in New Life to encourage me in times when I need it.  Paul's words are God's words, since we find them in the pages of Scripture.  That means we need to read them, learn them and live them.  No words are more sorely needed than reminders to encourage each other with God's word.

Who do you know who needs encouragement right now?  It may be someone you'll see today.  If so, be sure to take the time to offer encouragement.  It may be someone who lives far away.  If so, pick up the phone and encourage the person.   Maybe the person who needs your encouragement is someone you haven't even met yet.  Keep your eyes (and heart) open.  God will let you know who it is, then you'll have the opportunity to be a son or daughter of encouragement, too!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father,  Thank You so much for encouraging us through Your love and grace!  Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may be courageous enough to encourage others.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.