¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

So how does one encourage others? Have you noticed how we all struggle with things that constantly threaten to tear us down and hamper us from living a “meaningful, productive, happy” life: financial struggles, ever-present interpersonal struggles, family tensions, conflicting opinions in the church, and a host of other things? Tearing us down is the ultimate goal of the enemy of our souls. The devil would like to worry us with the fear that we will experience the wrath of God. That would be the ultimate tear down.

In this context, encouragement has more to do with the teaching about the end times, particularly the return of Christ. We do not have to fear God’s wrath or be anxious about what happens to our loved ones who have died before Christ’s return. Nor do we need to concern ourselves that we might miss out if we ourselves die before Jesus comes back to set up His kingdom. Such worries do not build us up but have the potential to tie us in proverbial knots with anxiety.

Therefore, we encourage others by continually reminding them of all that we have in Christ (faith), the great task we have toward others (love), and the great anticipation we have (hope). This builds up; it does not tear down.

Unfortunately, end-time prophecy can divide the body of Christ rather than build it up. Our goal should not be to win debates and achieve “rightness” in our doctrinal beliefs over against the “wrongness” of other people. In a boxing match, when one fighter falls to the canvas, the other does not rush to help him up. Christians are not to be like that, even in the area of doctrinal disagreement.

Yes, it does matter that we get our eschatology right, correctly interpreting the many passages that God provides. But our goal is not to “prove” us to be better Christians than others who believe differently. If God moves me to correct someone else, the focus is on the benefit for that person. We do not say this academically as a cover up for “winning.” Rather, we set out to show others a more correct way. Why? Because we want to build them up, not tear them down.

In the context of Paul’s letter, some had been worrying about loved ones missing out on Christ’s return. Right doctrine sets their minds at rest: Christ will return, and the dead in Christ will rise first. That is a comforting thought. To reassure others of that truth is an encouraging act of love.

Lord, help me understand that reminding others of the truth build them up in their faith.