Encouragement for those who do not seem to need it . . .

Some letters are easier to write than others. Letters of apology, correction, dismissal and so on are the difficult ones. Thank-you letters are easier, as are letters of good news or congratulations. 1 and 2 Thessalonians seem to be in that category. They offer no correction or admonition as do the other letters Paul wrote to New Testament churches.

These letters also instruct me in how to pray and encourage Christians who seem to not need it. My experience tells me that is a myth. Everyone needs to be encouraged, thanked, told they are doing well. In the kingdom of God, we have an enemy who is the ‘father of lies’ and the ‘accuser’ of God’s people. This enemy does not want God’s people to be confident in our faith or clear-headed in our focus.

Just last night, after a morning of prayer with others, this enemy went after me with his accusations and lies. It was a long battle won only by praising God and fighting each troubling thought with truth from the Lord. This battle reminds me how much these words would encourage those on the front lines in Thessalonica:

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:2–10)

Instructions and application for my situation are outlined as well. First, I’m to be always thankful and in prayer for those who are doing well. It seems easier to think of the needy, even to be envious of the successful, but Paul prayed for both and I should do the same.

He also reminded them that God choose them and they were not imitators of their leaders and good examples to other Christians. While this could build pride or feel like a heavier burden, it was not so with these people. They were not into idols nor thinking of their own egos as they shared the Gospel with others. Paul knew them well enough that he could give them high praise without fear it would go to their head. That requires discernment and the ability to encourage others while praising God at the same time. Paul knew where the faith and lifestyle originated in these people. He put the glory of God in priority as he told them how well they were doing.

This means saying things like: “God has given you a wonderful gift of compassion. I rejoice in His gifts and am thankful that you are showing His compassion to others.” Most Christians who hear words like that are operating in that “when I am weak, I am strong” mode that Paul knew so well . . .  

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)

The power of God is visible in those filled with His Spirit yet the person usually feels the weaknesses that require it. Telling them what I see in them is a far greater encouragement than most would think. If the inner self feels weak yet relies on God, they need to know there is fruit from their faith.

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Lord Jesus, I have some praying friends that need to be encouraged. Help me to do it in such a way that You are glorified and they are edified, not filled with pride but with that joy that motivates them to keep on living for You as they are already doing. Thank You also for these words today because I too needed to hear this from You.