1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Comfort here is the Greek word parakaleō where the most frequent word with this meaning, lit. denotes “to call to one’s side,” hence, “to call to one’s aid.” It is used for every kind of calling to a person which is meant to produce a particular effect, hence, with various meanings, such as “comfort, exhort, desire, call for,” in addition to its significance “to beseech,” which has a stronger force than aiteo. (Quoted from Vine’s Dictionary)

Comfort is replaced with the word encouragement in some bible versions. I choose to use the word encouragement here for the singular purpose of enforcing a future effect which goes beyond the present condition.

Parakaleō elicits a wide variety of emotions. It is meant to touch each of us in that special effect which is particular to our own needs. Some of us need more than words. We might need someone to come to our aid or stand firm with us to evoke comfort or encouragement. For others a gracious word is enough. For some it might just be a scripture that is revealed in truth for the first time.

Encouragement takes many forms and what is found to be effective will come from forming a close personal relationship with others within the body of Christ, fellowship.

What encourages you? Do the people you fellowship with know that? Do you find it difficult to show others that you are needy? Do you appear too needy? A balance must be found in order that everyone’s needs are met.

This is the basis for joining small groups.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Matthew 25:21 & 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things,

Do not be confused over the promise of faithfulness, Christ is faithful in all His promises and execution of will. We however are sometimes faithful, as indicated in Matthew 25. The promise is not in us but rather to us.

1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

The answer to the struggle of how faithful we are is in acknowledging that He chooses when to be faithful in using us and we cannot chose that for ourselves. We can be obedient, but faithfulness is not a choice, it is character.

It takes time to build character. The more important the character, the longer it takes to become that character in truth and performance. You cannot fake faithfulness, it is not something you can put on.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

You will never catch faithfulness by chasing it.