S – As you know, like a father with his own children, ¹² we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 

1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul also compared their behavior to that of a father. Here the implication is that they trained and instructed the Thessalonians as a responsible father disciplines his children. The word tekna, translated children, emphasizes the believers’ immaturity as well as the apostles’ affection. This verse is the fourth time Paul wrote you know (cf. 1:5; 2:2, 5).

2:12. The training provided included strong positive appeals (encouraging, parakalountes), soothing encouragement (comforting, paramythoumenoi), designed to cheer up and to inspire correct behavior, and solemn, earnest entreaty (urging, martyromenoi). Such a combination of appeals proved effective in moving the Thessalonians to action by the Holy Spirit’s convicting power.

The appeal to lead lives worthy of God is the highest of all for those who have tasted God’s grace in salvation. Paul heightened his exhortation by reminding his readers that they had been specially called by God, called to enter and be partakers in His kingdom and called to glorify and share in God’s glory.

 Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 695.

A – We need to encourage one another.  Following Christ comes with a price tag.  The enemy’s job is to “rob, kill and destroy” and he uses temptation, shame, fear and accusation to do it.  When we slow down and recognize someone else’s pain or challenge, we can do what Paul did – encourage, comfort and urge them to follow God genuinely.  This is why we are a body and not just individuals – we need each other.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Great I Am.  Help us to see past our own challenges to really understand what other people are going through.  We can be a catalyst for someone else to feel love and supported.  Give us the ability to that as your Holy Spirit leads us.