1 Thessalonians 5:11

The bases are loaded.

A player steps into the batter’s box. Their teammates lean against the dugout fence. Everyone hopes this will be the big hit.

Then comes strike three.

The player walks back with their head down.

Their teammates cannot change the at-bat. But they can decide what happens when that player reaches the dugout.

Will they turn away? Make a joke? Remind the player how many runs were left on base?

Or will someone move over, make room on the bench, and say, “We’ve got you”?

The Bible tells us to “comfort yourselves together, and edify one another.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

To edify means to build someone up.

A teammate who is hurting does not need a speech about what went wrong. They need to know they are still part of the team.

We all have moments when we fall short. In those moments, encouragement helps us stand up and keep going.

Be the teammate who builds people up when they need it most.