[:en]Richard was a rock climber while his friend Kevin was the belayer (the one who secures the rope). When Richard was exhausted and ready to quit, Kevin urged him to keep trying. Richard was able to complete the climb because of his friend’s encouragement.
Early church believers encouraged one another to continue following Jesus. They appealed to one another to live pure lives (Rom. 12:1; 1 Thes. 4:1). They urged each other to intercede for the body (Rom. 15:30), to keep people stay connected to the church (Heb. 10:25) and to love more and more (1 Thes. 4:10)
Today, we must also encourage fellow believers to pursue holiness, to keep praying, and to trust and obey Him. Let us encourage one another and build each other up! (1 Thes. 5:11)[:]