Encourage one another and build one another up. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called “The 5 Love Languages,” in which he theorized that people have various personalities that express and receive love in different ways. He identified four of these “languages“ as quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and gifts. The fifth way he described that people experience love is through words of affirmation.

The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica to share insights about Christ and the good news of His second coming – words to inform, as well as to encourage. Their hearts were burdened by concerns that Jesus was coming back soon to take them to heaven, and that friends who had died would miss out and be left behind. But Paul assured them that anyone who believes in Jesus’ death and resurrection – His work of salvation on Earth – would not be forgotten.

Share these “words of affirmation” with those around you. The Lord has not yet come a second time, but when He does, He will descend with a shout. The dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up with them in the air to be forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The next verse directs, “Encourage one another with these words.” Pray that those in the United States who lack this assurance would come to belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Be hopeful and courageous, building others up in the faith. Look forward to the future with Christ, your sure foundation.