“Go And Encourage Others!”

“Go And Encourage Others!”
“Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant of the Lord, will tell you everything… I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. Peace to the brothers, and love with faith God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love”(Eph.6:21-24).
Unlike other letters of Paul this one does not conclude with personal greetings. The letter is kind of a circular letter. It could also be that over the years the Ephesian church had grown in membership to include so many converts from the time Paul was there. Otherwise he wouldn’t have said “ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus…”(1:15).
Ephesians emphasizes unity in the body of Christ, but in that unity, “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it”(4:7). Some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith…”(4:11-13).
Those works of service not mentioned are many and varied. And there is none that is insignificant. Among such services is loving care and attention.
Unity in the body of Christ is that a prisoner finds time to write to encourage Christians he has never met on how to keep the faith. And thinking that the letter is not enough to explain, he sends Tychicus to encourage them. Besides they too should know Paul’s fate at moment.
Tychicus on his part stood by Paul all the time and Paul sent him to churches in other places such that he was not just a dear, but the dear brother! This is what true Christian brotherhood is all about!
Paul also extends God’s grace to those “who love the Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”
My friend, do not underestimate or stifle the gift of God to you. Make use of it to keep the unity in the body of Christ. Be your brother’s keeper. Even in your own troubles, find time to be an encourager to others so that they can keep the faith. Above all, “love the Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love,” and demonstrate this love through serviceability to others.
Prayer: Lord make me a messenger like Tychicus and send me to encourage others. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Babila Fochang.