Built By Encouragement

✨Speak Life, Not Strife✨ Day 4

📖 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

This verse reminds me of the story of two faithful friends: Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel. Jonathan wasn’t just David’s companion—he was the son of King Saul, the very man who wanted David dead. Yet Jonathan chose loyalty to David over his father’s jealousy. He protected David, uplifted him, and reminded him of God’s promises. Their friendship shows us that true encouragement can require sacrifice, courage, and commitment to God’s truth.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 23:16 that Jonathan strengthened David’s hand in God. Building up our brothers and sisters in Christ should look exactly like that—helping them stand firm in the Lord. Yes, it is good to support them in other areas of life (as long as they are not displeasing to God), but as Christians, our ultimate goal is to draw one another closer to God and build each other up in our walk with Christ.

Yet encouragement isn’t limited to fellow believers. We are also called to uplift those around us—because when we speak life with love, we reflect Christ’s light to a world that desperately needs hope. In Genesis 41, Joseph gave Pharaoh wisdom and hope in a time of fear. In Daniel 2, Daniel spoke truth with humility to Nebuchadnezzar, pointing him toward God’s sovereignty. In the same way, when we speak to those outside the faith, our words can be a witness—showing them the light of Christ through love and faith.

Overall, encouragement is more than kindness—it is a Christlike act that strengthens faith, builds hope, and reflects God’s love to the world.