Offer Encouragement
Encouragement in a Dark World
In the passage below, Paul reminds them—and us—not to live in spiritual lethargy, but to stay awake and alert as “children of the light.”
Read
1 Thessalonians 5:4–11 (NIV)
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Reflect
Paul uses light and darkness to distinguish between those who know Christ and those who do not. Believers are called to live as people of the day—awake and sober, clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
According to verse 8, how should we respond to the world around us?
According to verse 11, what should we do in light of Christ’s return?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 is a beloved verse, often quoted as a call to community care: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” While today’s definition of encouragement is “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope,”³ Paul’s word also implies the act of consoling or strengthening someone—by both verbal and nonverbal means.⁴
While it’s tempting to isolate verse 11 as a feel-good reminder, the broader context adds weight. Paul’s readers were facing persecution, uncertainty, and the pressures of daily life. Like us, they needed encouragement not only for major trials but for everyday obedience—to follow Jesus moment by moment.
Encouraging Moms in a Challenging Season
Today, mothers (and fathers) are raising children in a world that often feels dark and disorienting. As they prepare the next generation to walk as “children of the light,” they need courage, hope, and support. Part of being spiritually awake is realizing that Christ could return soon — or not for a long time. Either way, we are called to prepare our children to shine for Him in the meantime.
Moms carry so much — and they need encouragement.
Think back to a moment when you felt discouraged or weary. Who encouraged you?
What did they say or do?
How did their encouragement impact you?
1 Inc Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003).
2 Louw-Nida 25.150, Logos software
Respond
Let’s apply this timeless command:
“Encourage one another and build each other up.”
Many moms quietly press on through thankless, exhausting, ordinary days. A little encouragement can mean the world.
I remember a time when I had taken three small kids (all dressed in costumes) to a long, hot swim meet for their older sibling. After hours in the bleachers and endless bathroom trips, we returned home — everyone exhausted. I unpacked our diaper bag and found a note from a stranger:
“Buzz Lightyear and his friends did so well today. You did a great job, mom.”
That note brought me to tears. Nothing extravagant. Just kindness. And it filled my spirit with fresh strength for another day.
How You Can Encourage a Mom This Week
Write a note.
Send a text.
Speak words of blessing.
Offer a helping hand.
Listen without judgment.
And don’t stop at encouragement. You can also offer:
Gratitude for her presence
Respect for her efforts
Acceptance for her choices
Compassion for her limits
Let’s be people of grace, building each other up — especially the women who carry the sacred calling of motherhood.