What does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 mean?

These verses encourage the Thessalonian Christians to be active, alert, and purposeful in their spiritual lives. The reason for this is the prospect of Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), which will physically bring both living and dead believers into His presence (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

According to this verse, Christians should let the prospect of spending eternity with Jesus motivate them to encourage and edify one another. Instead of being dismayed as world events unfold, we should remind one another that a better day lies ahead. We look forward to the day when Jesus arrives to rapture His church. In the meantime we should help one another become more like Jesus and better equipped to serve Him.

Paul acknowledges that the Thessalonian believers were edifying one another, because after giving the exhortation to encourage one another, he added, "just as you are doing." He simply wanted his readers to keep on encouraging one another.

Hebrews 10:23–25 implores us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."