What does 1 Thessalonians 4:18 mean?

In this verse Paul appeals to his readers to encourage one another with the truths about the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17). The fact that departed Christians and living Christians will be caught up to be with Jesus forever is a solid reason not to grieve hopelessly, but to anticipate a grand reunion with fellow Christians in the presence of Jesus.

When we are reunited with Christ, pain and suffering will be over (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). Our bodies, which now age and deteriorate, will become imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death will have lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Our bodies will be glorified, just as Jesus' body is a glorified body (Philippians 3:20–21). Joy will last eternally (Psalm 16:11). We will live eternally in a place Jesus promised to prepare for us (John 14:1–3). All of the stresses and strains of earthly life will be gone: taxes, breakdowns, bills, accidents, tornadoes, floods, hail, infestation, and all other calamities will cease to exist. We will never again be victims of crime or fraud. Eternal joy and pleasure will delight our hearts in God's presence (Psalm 16:11).

That is encouraging, indeed!