A Disciple’s Code of Conduct
Paul says, "Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Some translators use the word “comfort” instead of “encourage”.
This is the Greek word παρακαλεω (parakaleo), which is related to the nouns παρακλησις (parakleesis) and παρακλητος (parakleetos), the latter being applied to Christ and the Holy Spirit as our helpers and advocates (John 14:26, 1 John 2:1).
There are two kinds of encouragement we are to offer each other. One is to provoke and stir up (Hebrews 10:24), the other is to console and comfort (Hebrews 10:25).
It is the consolation and comfort that Paul has in mind in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, and it is important for us to know when this kind of encouragement is needed as against the other kind.
There are times when disciples need a pat on the shoulder and a gentle, sympathetic word of comfort. Instead some well-meaning person will try to “rev them up” with a “pull yourself together and get on with it” kind of speech.
That kind of encouragement has its place. But when misapplied, it can in fact be discouragement, so let us be careful about this.
~ Ron Graham
