“Wherefore, comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
In these few words, the Apostle Paul reminds us of our sacred responsibility to bolster and elevate one another, particularly in times of trial and adversity. The message is straightforward, yet it carries immense significance for us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Firstly, let us direct our attention to the thought of comforting one another. Life is rife with challenges, and none of us are immune to the trials that befall us. We all confront hardships, grief, and moments of despondency. In such circumstances, we are summoned to serve as a wellspring of solace to our brothers and sisters. We should be there to provide a sympathetic ear, a helping hand, or a shoulder to weep upon. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, epitomised the ideal paradigm of comforting others during His earthly ministry, and we should endeavour to replicate His compassionate and empathetic disposition.
Secondly, we are enjoined to “edify one another.” To edify signifies to uplift, fortify, and build up. It encompasses not only providing comfort in times of sorrow but also inspiring and reinforcing one another in our spiritual walk. This can be accomplished through acts of benevolence, encouragement, and by assisting one another in advancing our comprehension of the Gospel. We are all constituents of the Body of Christ, and as such, our growth and spiritual welfare are intertwined. Just as a robust body necessitates all its components to function in harmony, so does our spiritual fellowship hinge on the edification of every member.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we subscribe to the principle of ministering, which revolves around serving, consoling, and edifying one another. Ministering empowers empowers us to care for those in our branch or ward, guaranteeing that no one is left solitary or without the backing and affection of their fellow Saints.
In a world permeated with uncertainty and predicaments, we have been blessed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel summons us to be a congregation of faith that reaches out with love, offering solace and fortifying one another. We must remember that when we console and edify one another, we are executing the work of the Lord. We are aiding in accomplishing His divine plan, and in the course of action, we are augmenting our own affirmations and enhancing our capacity to love as He does.
Hence, let us internalise the counsel of the Apostle Paul, to “comfort yourselves together and edify one another.” In so doing, we are walking the path that our Saviour has revealed to us, a path that leads to strengthened unity, serenity, and spiritual advancement within the family of God. May we forever be watchful and eager to fulfil this sacred responsibility, and in doing so, may we evolve into true followers of Jesus Christ.
I express these sentiments in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
