Encouragement & Compassion 1Thess. 5:11amp

11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11amp

So, my question for you this morning, my question for you always is: Are you encouraging your fellow brother or sister? Are you comforting one another? Are you building someone else up other than yourself? And, I am not only talking about fellow believers, but those that don't know Christ, because how do you expect them to come to know Him, if you don't show them who He is through your own actions.

My birthday was yesterday and another one of the things I've learned in the last year about the body of Christ, is that we fail to encourage people and we are called to do so. However, first and foremost what I've been leaning the last two years, is that we also fail at compassion.

Lamentations 3:22-23, Mark 9:36, Ephesians 4:32 & Luke 15:20 are only a few examples that we are supposed to be following. Two of the biggest reasons why people have left the church or won't go back are lack of encouragement and compassion. You don't care and you don't care to stick by their side (like Christ) when they need you the most no matter the circumstances. When what Christ has asked you to do becomes more important than what you want then things will change. When Christ becomes more important than your agenda then there will be a shift in the correct direction.

To those of you who are running: come home. One thing I have learned and I'm still learning about God is He is relentless in His pursuit of you. He never leaves one sheep behind. he has left the 99 to come for you and He will never stop. So, just come home and let Him love you. His love never ends. It never fails. 

To those thinking of walking away: don't. From personal experience, it's not worth it. All you'll find is pain. The world has nothing to offer you but pain and regret. God is eternal, the world is not. Never stop seeking for that one part of the body that will encourage you and surround you with compassion (Matthew 7:7-8). Never stop seeking the Lord in His word, not in people. His word remains faithful and true. People make mistakes. Trust in God (Prov. 3:5).

11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11amp

32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave [a]you. Ephesians 4:32amp

Encouragement & compassion is what we are supposed to walk in.

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

This is the way.

#prodigalpastor #encouragement #compassion #devotional #commentary