Encouragement for family life and building deeper connections

This week I've been contemplating on connection, and what it means to be an 'encourager' as a follower of Jesus.

Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
External link to Bible Gateway

When I think of connection in terms of relationships I often reflect on how important encouragement is for deeper connections.

I have to admit I seriously struggle with this when it comes to my kiddos. I'm usually frustrated by something they're not doing - putting their laundry away, cleaning the table after supper, etc. and it usually comes out as exasperated shouting. Many times I'd heard God gently reminding that if I want to properly connect with my kiddos I need to gracefully encourage them. Not easy in this season of constant picking up, tidying up, vacuuming up, cooking up and washing up. 

So with that in mind I'm choosing to meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:11

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Scripture Reflection

Although Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians is actually a letter encouraging a fledgling church that is new to the faith, I can't help but reflect on the teaching parallels to young family life and the importance of building one another up.

I particularly love how Paul writes 'encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all.' in verse 14.  Patience and encouragement are definitely applicable to family life.

Journaling Prompts

As we reflect on Connection and 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14, let's take a moment to journal or meditate on these prompts...

• What does it mean to 'build up' my family?
   
• Thinking about my past week, how did I cultivate connection through encouragement in the midst of the challenges I faced in family life?
  
  
• Thinking about this coming week, how can I foster encouragement and connection within our moments of quality family time?

Closing Prayer

God of encouragement, thank you for empowering us to build each other. Give us the grace to connect with one another in a way that is edifying. Amen. 

For this week's scripture verse I chose to study from both WEB and NIV translations of 1 Thessalonians 5