During the activities marking my 60th birthday in Lagos, some guests came from as far as Abeokuta, Ogun State. Sometime in June, my wife and I visited one of them to commiserate with him over the passing of his wife. Unknown to me, the wife battled some health challenges for about four years. That challenge was on when he came to rejoice with me. For him to attend my birthday was indeed a great honour. The first lesson for me is that those who identify with us may have undisclosed burdens that they are carrying. Never take for granted those who show up at your events.

The second lesson stems from our text. When Paul wrote his first epistle to the Thessalonians, it appears they were grieving over some dear saints who had died. He touched on the Christian’s hope beyond the grave; and of the time of reunion with Christ at His second advent. He admonished them to not mourn unnecessarily as people without hope and encouraged them to comfort one another. The fact that we may not know what people are undergoing puts a responsibility on us. The last thing you want to do is add to people’s hurts through insensitive words and actions. We should learn from Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians that corrupt communication must not proceed from our mouths. He instructed that they should only speak what will edify and encourage others as they await the blessed hope of Christ’s return.