“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

I hope each one of you had a wonderful and Merry Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus!

In our verse for today, the apostle Paul is writing a letter to the church at Thessalonica. He is asking them to encourage each other and build each other up (make others feel good about themselves and what they are doing). But then he encourages them by telling them that they are already doing these things.

We started our December with waiting for the birth of Jesus. Then we talked about sharing the good news of Jesus’ birth just like the angels and the shepherds. Last week we talked about making sure that we had Jesus first in our lives. This week we want to shine Jesus’ light to everyone we meet!

As we start a new year, let’s do our best to encourage others. How can you encourage other people? Let’s think of a few ways together. Smile, ask someone how they are, laugh at a joke, hug a friend who is sad, do a chore for your mom or dad (without being asked), give someone a small gift, or share a part of your lunch. There are lots of little ways to shine Jesus to everyone you meet.

And I’m going to encourage you, just like Paul, by saying that I’m sure you already encourage others. How do you already shine Jesus and encourage others?

This week talk with your parents. How do they encourage you? And how can you encourage the people you know? As the new year begins, try to shine the light of Jesus on one person each day.

Blessings and joy as you encourage others!

Happy New Year!