“Encouragement”

I 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.

Introduction: 

Encouragement is the key!  I want to briefly touch upon three elements of encouragement. Let's begin with the first.

I. First of all, to encourage others, we must s_______ with them in their challenges.

II.  Second, to encourage others, we must never m_______ their problems.

III. Third and finally, to encourage others, we must always m________ the power available to them. 

"I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you...I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” (John 14:16-17; 16:33.) 

Conclusion:  

Encouragement is the key.  We encourage others when we stand with them in their challenges, never minimize their problems and always maximize the power available to them.