Mission Briefing
You Are a Builder – Start Building!
Imagine that every time you spoke to someone, your words were either building them up – like adding bricks to a wall – or tearing them down. Paul says: be a builder! And he gives the Thessalonians a great compliment too: “just as you are doing.” They were already getting it right! This mission explores 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Mean?
Paul had just been talking about the day Jesus returns and why believers don’t need to be afraid. His conclusion is this: because you have hope, encourage each other. Because the future is secure, build each other up now! Encouragement is meant to flow out of hope. When you truly believe God has a good plan, you naturally want others to believe it too – and that’s what encouraging words do.
Hero Challenge
Send or say an encouraging message to five people this week – one each day. Make each one specific and real: tell them what you noticed, why it matters, and what it made you think about them. Keep track and see how people respond when they feel truly seen and built up.
Did You Know?
The church in Thessalonica was one of the youngest faith communities Paul ever wrote to. He had only spent a few weeks with them in person before being forced to leave the city. Despite their youth and the hardships they faced, Paul was impressed – he called them an example to all the believers in the surrounding regions. That’s powerful for a very new community of faith!
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? How did it make you feel?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Paul says to encourage and build up. What is the difference between a compliment and true encouragement?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
Paul connects encouragement to hope in Jesus’ return. How does having confidence in God’s future plan change how you treat people in the present?
Ready for more? Meet more Bible heroes for kids at Faith Force.
♥ Mission Prayer
Lord, help me be a builder with my words. Let every conversation I have today leave someone feeling stronger, more loved, and more hopeful than before. Amen.
