We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers.
We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith,
your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
On Honor and Prayer
All of chapter 1 in 1 Thessalonians is absolutely beautiful. I read it and got all teary-eyed. Paul is writing to this group of believers in the church of Thessalonica. He, Silvanus, and Timothy were welcomed into this group with open arms of gratitude and joy. This group was teachable and humble toward the gospel and receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul, as someone of influence and authority in this church’s life, spoke of them and to them with such grace and love and encouragement. It made me begin to think about the spheres in my life where God has given me influence and authority. How do I use my words in those spaces? How do you?
Always give honor where honor is due.
The definition of honor is to show respect and recognition. It is to give credit. That is what Paul did with each word in this chapter. He makes mention of everything they were doing that blessed him and revealed their love for God. Their work was produced by faith, their labor was motivated by love, and their endurance was inspired by hope in Christ. These believers welcomed the truth of the Gospel and endured in spite of persecution.
Paul acknowledges the fruit of their lives and honors them. For me, I have at times wanted leadership in my life to simply see me and encourage me. God always sees us. We are always known by Him, but part of His plan for community is for us to give honor where honor is due. Our words have more power than we remember. We speak life or death. Our words have the potential to bring hope and healing to weary souls. Giving honor to those around us ultimately honors God.
Speak to people’s progress and potential.
The process of sanctification is just that — a process. We are made into the image of Christ with each passing day, from glory to glory. We aren’t perfect. God doesn’t expect us to be. We shouldn’t expect others to be either. In my almost 20 years of leading youth and young adults, I have noticed that all they want is for someone to have continued faith in them even when they fall short.
Paul reminded the Thessalonians about their idol worship. I’m sure they didn’t need reminding. He didn’t remind them to shame them. He reminded them so that they could see how far they had come, how much they had grown. They were now serving the living and true God. They were waiting for the Son to return.
They were now imitators of God and example to other believers. Their faith had gone out to other places. They were now proclaiming the gospel. Others had seen their progress, but they needed to see it for themselves.
One of my friends describes this as calling out the gold in someone’s life. That is a lovely picture of drawing out purpose and potential instead of staying stuck in the past.
Cover others in prayer.
Prayer is the game changer. It is what ushers in the Holy Spirit to infuse our words with His power. I love that Paul led his letter with the fact that he thanked God for the Thessalonians and prayed for them constantly. I can encourage others all day. And that is good and important, but praying over them is how the Holy Spirit changes their hearts and lives. There is actually a double blessing attached. Prayer changes us too. It changes how we think, feel, speak, and live.
Let’s be women who give honor where honor is due.
Let’s be women who call out the gold in others’ lives.
Let’s be women who faithfully cover others in prayer.
How do you honor, pray for, and call out the gold in the lives of those around you?
How has someone done that for you?
nj says
Dear Karina,
Thank you so much, beautifully written from your heart, explaining Paul’s heart/GOD’s heart! And the difference applying these truths make to GOD, and every life we touch and us as well! All so important for me now in the chaos and crushing circumstances that are abounding in my life and my loved ones.
Thank you and blessings,
nj
Karina Allen says
Thank you NJ for reading and sharing! Praying for all of the transitions in your life!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Karina,
I love the image of “calling out the gold” in other people’s lives. Speaking of which….since I began reading your posts years ago here at (in)courage, your writing has grown and matured and you have obviously reached a new depth within yourself to bring out the awesome writing talent that God has given you. I know that the Holy Spirit’s working in your life as you faced challenges has a lot to do with it. We tend to grow through adversity and by allowing Him to work in your life, your writing has really reached new heights in being able to stir the soul. It has been a testimony to me as to what God can do if we let Him. You are so good at encouraging others, I pray that you will be encouraged. And yes, I prayed over you this morning….wonderful words of truth here today.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Karina Allen says
Bev! Well, I may be weeping inappropriately at work! π THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I NEEDED to hear that!!!! I welcome every prayer! I need them in the worst way right now!
Debi Gable says
This article is just what I needed. I’ve been going through a very difficult time, with my husband having dementia & hearing problems. I find that more & more, I get angry & impatient with him. Unfortunately, I wind up hurting him, which is certainly not my intention. I ask for your prayers that God will give me a measure of patience & kindness, that, not only will I be building him up, but growing closer to God, & living with the power of the Holy Spirit. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Beth Williams says
Debi,
Praying for you sweet sister! I went through this with both my parents. Mom also had hearing issues. It was tough on dad caring for her. May God strengthen & give you the patience you need.
Father,
Help Debi as she deals with her husband. Give her kind words to speak to him. Bring your patience & strength she so desperately needs! Give her a respite now & then. Bless her & hubby & help them grow closer to you during this trial!
(((((Hugs)))))
Karina Allen says
Amen! Thank you for sharing Debi. May God give you an abundance of peace and strength and hope. May He surround you with amazing community that will uphold both of you! He is good and faithful!
Courtney says
Such a great, encouraging reminder this morning! Thank you!
Karina Allen says
Thank you Courtney for reading and sharing!
Heather says
Karina, thank you for your words on this. I am convicted this morning to watch my words and be more mindful to use them to build people up for His kingdom. I so agree with your thoughts about young people needing to feel someone has faith in them, even when they fail. We all want that, donβt we? I want to spread that kind of grace around, in every circle of my life. Thank you for your inspiration today.
Karina Allen says
Thank you Heather for reading and sharing! Yes! We all want that! May we use our words oh so carefully and gently.
Rebecca L Jones says
Beautiful, truthful and meaningful words on a Sunday afternoon. We all should have a teachable spirit or else we won’t be humble to the Holy Spirit, and I want the gold called out of me, and I want to call the golden glory of the Lord.
Karina Allen says
Amen and Hallelujah Rebecca!!!!
Beth Williams says
Karina,
I have shared on this blog about some of the wonderful women in my life. Many who step in when the going got tough. They mentor to me & bless me. My Pastor’s wife is an angel. Right now she has a trial with her aging mother-who lives 5 hrs. away. Also her Father-in-law died suddenly today. I know she will embrace this with all the dignity & strength of a courageous Christian. I have a good friend. We happened to deal with aging parents at the same time. Our friendship grew stronger because of it. My little church, Blue Springs Christian, is full of “gold star” Christians who will do anything to help you. They all deserve an applause!!
Blessings π
Karina Allen says
Yes Beth! Praying for peace and healing for your Pastor’s wife.
Have the most fun honoring those dear women! It is super fun for me to honor others! The Holy Spirit and I have the chance to be creative.