Encourage One Another

The NIV translates 1 Thessalonians 4:18 like this: “Therefore encourage each other with these words.” Instead of "encourage," some translations (KJV, NASB notably) use the word “comfort.” In light of the passage's focus on what happens to those who have fallen asleep (died) in Christ, many hear the word "comfort" and think primarily in terms of consoling those who are grieving. But that is only one dimension of the word translated "encourage" or "comfort." It can mean to exhort, to urge, or to plead with people. It has the idea of coming alongside in order to strengthen or help.

I see a connection to the first verse of the chapter, where Paul says, “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1, NIV). The word “urge” in verse 1 is the same word translated “encourage” in verse 18. If the connection is legitimate then the point is this: Just as Paul urged (encouraged, exhorted, pleaded with) the Thessalonians to live a life pleasing to God, so we are to urge (encourage, exhort, plead with) one another to live a life pleasing to God. And we do so by reminding one another of the hope of the resurrection and the promise of Christ’s return.