There was a man by the name of Joseph who was such an encouraging presence that the apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).  Most Bible students only know this man by the name Barnabas because, from that point forward, that is the only name that he is called in scripture.  In the first century church, there is little doubt that this name the apostles gave Joseph stuck because it so appropriately described the man.

Would “son of encouragement” be a good nickname for you?  Would people around you say that it was fitting, or would they say it was an inaccurate description of who you are?  We should all be striving to encourage one another whenever we can.     

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (ESV)
⁹  For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰  who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. ¹¹  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.   ­        

We all have difficult times when we need encouragement.  In exhorting brethren to encourage one another, Paul shows us how to do it.  We need to remind one another of our destiny.  No matter what is happening in our lives, our destiny remains the same.   The aim of our earthly pilgrimage is to obtain salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Reminding each other of heaven is always encouraging.  In the close of the previous chapter, regarding the salvation that saints, both those alive and those who have died, will receive, Paul said, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  Words regarding the time when Jesus will come back, and we will all meet Him in the air, can lift our spirits when we are down.  

Look closer at what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:10.  The real source of encouragement is the truth that someday, because Jesus died for us, we will live with Him.  The greatest part of salvation will be that we are with Jesus.  This was Paul’s main source of encouragement.  

Philippians 1:23 (ESV)
²³  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Through all the trials and tribulations that Paul had to endure, his focus was always on someday being with Christ.  We should encourage one another with these thoughts.  Focusing on our ultimate destiny is a vital part of staying on track spiritually.  Peter said, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).  Let us make a habit of using our knowledge of salvation as a source of encouragement for each other.  

We can encourage one another to be active members of the church.  We can encourage our young people to be faithful amid the peer pressure they often face.  We can encourage young married couples to strive to have magnificent marriages.  When a brother serves in our public worship for the first time, encourage him.  When older members attend services, even though they do not feel the best, give them a word of encouragement.  When members who are struggling spiritually are trying to do better, encourage them to keep going.  Let us all follow the apostolic instructions of Paul and encourage one another.    

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.