Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard amoung you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work, Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prochecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of Peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-23
Check out this List of Suggestions for Encouragers
References
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Examples
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Suggested Application
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5:11
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Build each other up
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Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her.
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5:12
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Respect Leaders
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Look for ways to cooperate
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5:13
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Live in Peace
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Search for ways to get along with others.
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5:14
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Warn the Idle
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Challenge someone to join you in a project
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5:14
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Encourage the timid
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Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God’s promises
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5:14
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Help the weak
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Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them
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5:15
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Resist revenge
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Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them
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5:16
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Be Joyful
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Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control
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5:17
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Pray continually
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God is always with you – talk to him
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5:18
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Give Thanks
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Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one
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5:20
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Do not treat prophecies with contempt
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Receive God’s word from those who speak for him
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5:22
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Avoid every kind of evil
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Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation
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5:23
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Count on God’s constant help
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Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but throught God’s Power
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Table was taken from the Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
What scripture on encouragement comes to your mind after reading this?
