1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Here follows the conclusion of the complete pericope, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11, about the future of and with Jesus Christ. After all that has been written, it is time to encourage each other once again.

There is every reason to do so, because Jesus will certainly return. Take one another along in that hope. And so build the church of Christ together. Also point out to each other that it is Christ himself who builds his church (Matthew 16:18; cf. 1 Peter 2:4–7).

For centuries this building of the church has continued. And when the great day arrives, it will be finished, and the Lord will descend from heaven and then we will always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Let us encourage one another to look forward to that day with great longing.