1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:18

After Paul writes about the second coming of Christ and what that will be like, he finishes the chapter off with this verse: "Therefore encourage one another with these words." (ESV)

I love how Paul has the capabilities of writing such a simple verse but making it have so much meaning behind it. Earlier in this section of the chapter, Paul was talking about how the deceased Christians will come back down with Jesus and share in His glory, and we will be comforted when we are taken with Him. Then he throws out this verse. "Therefore encourage one another with these words." The word encourage is used, meaning that the end of time, when Jesus comes back, is supposed to be a happy time for us! We shouldn't fear it or be scared, otherwise we wouldn't be called to encourage people about it. Paul's words about us being taken up with Christ and Him allowing us to be comforted with His presence should be the ultimate comfort for believers. Paul is telling us to use his words to bring joy and comfort to the believers who are weary, or scared, or fearful, or petrified of the end. It is supposed to be a joyful time for us!

What are we going to take away from this verse? Be on the lookout for fellow believers who are having a hard time grieving or getting over something tragic. Yes. If a friend dies and one of the people affected are upset and worried and just overwhelmed with the event, telling them about how Jesus will come down with their friend next to him on clouds will be so comforting. Their friend's destiny wouldn't be in their "things to worry about" list anymore. They can be comforted by that. Or know that if someone is being bullied or harassed or just not being encouraged by others, Jesus will come to their rescue when His second coming arrives. We don't know when that will be, or how long that will take, but God will not let His children suffer without Him having a say about it. We need to be excited about the Second Coming and if other believers are having a tough time with something, perhaps the words of Paul here can comfort them.