who do we appreciate?

Two, four, six, eight... who do we appreciate?

Wait.

Who DO we appreciate?

Have we told them?
Have we cheered them on today?
Have we taken the time to let them know how important, how valued, how unique and special they truly are in the eyes of Christ?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for 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 and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18)

God wants every believer in Christ to make such an effort - to pep rally and lift up one another in Jesus' Name.  This is not an activity reserved only for the youth or for our favorite sports team.  No, it is a necessary and helpful effort - a choice we are to make each and every day of our lives.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19)

What is the "mutual edification" mentioned in Romans 14 (above)?
It is the obedient choice to build up one another for the sake of God's kingdom.
Together, we are to be motivators, helpers... living examples who reflect the love of Jesus Christ!

Why is this so important?  Because, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  (Hebrews 3:13)

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)

According to Psalm 118:24, we are told: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (KJV)  So how does God want us to rejoice and be glad in this day?  How exactly does that translate in real time?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

We are to let God's peace rule over our hearts.  We are actually called to live in His peace together!
We are to be thankful.
We are to let the message of Jesus be as common as breathing.  His truth should ALWAYS be part of our daily conversations.
We are to sing songs of praise and gratitude.
We are to do EVERYTHING in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Friends, I encourage you to obediently choose to live in agreement with God's beneficial Way.  His love is all that matters THIS DAY.  So lift one another up.  Remind one another what REALLY matters.  And be thankful for your brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Tell them.  Show them.  Love them.

WHO do we appreciate, after all?

JESUS  J-E-S-U-S  JESUS!!!  FOREVER UNITED IN HIS HOLY NAME!!!  HURRAY!

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson