For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Suffering wrath vs. receiving salvation — I’ll take salvation every time!

For those who are stuck in legalistic righteousness by comparing themselves to others and judging their actions as if they are God, they will suffer wrath. Works-based religion is a dead religion that focuses on us individually (sinful man) instead of Jesus (a perfect man) who died for us.

But the follower of Jesus Christ turns from his sin and wholeheartedly surrenders his will and his selfish ambition to his Savior. And then he is saved. Salvation requires sacrifice and surrender to Jesus, but the rewards are exponentially greater than the cost.

Our destiny, as Christ followers, is a life together with Jesus and God the Father.  And if we are going to be in this eternal life together, we are on the same team. We should encourage each other, come alongside and help each other, and build each other up through verbal appreciation and recognition of effort and skill-sets.  It is more fun to be on a team that has an “others first” mentality!

Lord, thanks for this strong encouragement to continue to be positive and optimistic in our relationships with our fellow believers. Help me to be humble and go to you each day and throughout the day to receive your good gifts to bless others with!