“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thes. 5:11, NLT).

That’s what we need. More encouragement. Lately, there’s been too much division and bickering, especially on social media. Too many people think it’s their God-given duty to correct everyone else about everything else. Too many are pointing fingers at others while ignoring their own faults and sins.

Maybe if we went out of our way to lift each other up more, it might make a difference. Perhaps if we were to spend at least as much time encouraging as criticizing, we’d be more in line with Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians.

There’s something special about when someone goes out of their way to pay you a compliment or to give an encouraging word. Sometimes, it’s made the difference between me having a bad day and having a good day. Plus, it costs so very little to speak blessings over someone else.

I’n not saying we should never rebuke or correct others. There’s a place for discernment and discipline, but I think it should be balanced by pointing out the positives in others. I seem to remember something called a compliment sandwich where you offer a word of correction but place it between two positive statements about the person.

Lord, I’m thankful that the One who knows me most and has the most right to condemn me instead has shown me grace time after time when I least deserved it. Help me and all others who follow Jesus to be as willing to show the same grace that we have ourselves received. Amen.