Encourage one another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up- just as in fact you are doing. 

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 5:11,14)

Thoughts: We are called to lift up, build up, strengthen and encourage one another.  This means to especially look for those who are hurting or discouraged and seek to help them.  In a world full of bullying and putting people down, a little encouragement would be helpful and honors God.  

Prayer: Help me to build others up and not tear them down.  

1 Thessalonians 5

4But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (1 Thess. 5)

Thoughts: Paul contrasts light-truth-holiness-alertness with darkness-lies-drunkenness-sleep.  Drugs and alcohol cloud our judgment of the truth, and loosen our self-control.  He lists the great spiritual weapons of faith, hope, and love as our defenses against the evil and powers of guilt, regret and darkness.  God wants to bless us not to take away His blessing (wrath).  We are called out and saved out of the darkness-lies-drunkenness-sleep way of life.

Prayer: Lord, give me discretion and wisdom to do what is right and good.