Final words

Nope -- not my final words -- but this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc!

This week’s Bible reading from Philippians 4:4-9 shares some final words – words of advice wrapping up a letter – that seek to encourage the reader and to offer hope. I think we can all do with a little encouragement – often.

Here’s a bit of encouragement from this week’s reading – as well as similar final bits of encouragement from the end of Paul’s other letters:

(Philippians 4:4-5 NRSV) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. {5} Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

• (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NRSV) Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. {14} Let all that you do be done in love.
  
• (2 Corinthians 13:11 NRSV) Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
  
• (Galatians 6:9-10 NRSV) So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. {10} So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
  
• (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 NRSV) Rejoice always, {17} pray without ceasing, {18} give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. {19} Do not quench the Spirit.
  

What kind of encouragement do you find in these wrap-up words of Paul’s letters? What kinds of words of encouragement to you like to share with others?