Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
Last week in the theater I watched teenagers not acting like “normal” teenagers. The group of 43 students ranged from age 13-18 and, although there were certainly groups of friends, I was so impressed with the love and care that they had for each other, no matter the age or ability. There were no “divas” who had to have all the attention. There were no “geeks” who could be ignored or made fun of. Instead, there were plenty of opportunities for very different kids to encourage each other, to build each other up, and to work together to put on a great play for the audience. To me, this was a very refreshing experience.
It was a Kingdom experience, too. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:27-28 NIV). These young people have a sense of what it means to be one in Christ Jesus. Admittedly, this oneness comes after three months of practices with a director who is intentional about the culture she creates with the kids. But, kudos to the kids for living it out.
Today, let us do what we can to build each other up and encourage each other in unity in Christ.
Thank you, God, for moments of hope for our future. Thank you for young people today who are learning your Kingdom culture, including kindness, generosity, and encouragement. Today, help us to build up and encourage each other, we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN.