Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thess. 5:11
Heavenly Father, What a destiny we have, what a God you are, what a Gospel we treasure. Because of the finished work of Jesus, our future contains zero brokenness, and 100% all-things-new; zilch strife, and 100% loving well; zip sin, and 100% wholeness.
Eternity is going to be bodacious and magnificent, beautiful and perfect beyond our wildest dreams and hopes. This isn’t sentimental hype; it’s our guaranteed hope. Until then, Father, make us faithful encouragers and “builder-upper’s” of one another—of our families, friends, co-workers, and, well, anybody in our reach.
For months, we’ve lived in a culture of suspicion, criticism, and judgment. Thank you for the privilege of being a Gospel counter-culture—a culture of grace. All this Thanksgiving Week long, and then throughout Advent, may we speak words of life and kindness to each other. Help us catch each other “doing it right,” celebrate one another’s belovedness in Jesus, and overlook the irritating annoying stuff.
Father, thank you. Whether we die before Jesus returns, or live to see that blessed Day, we are presently and forever your beloved children. Nothing can separate us from your love, derail your plans, or exhaust your grace. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.
