Spiritual Growth does not happen in a vacuum. It does not happen all at once. It takes time and input from our friends. While the Holy Spirit certainly is the initiator and the sustainer of our spiritual growth, it takes place in the context of community life. In our text the Apostle is writing the Thessalonians to encourage them in the midst of their trials. He wants to also assure them concerning the future of believers who die before Christ returns. He tells them not to panic but to be steadfast during tough times no matter what may be going on in the world around them. Instead they are to put on the armor of faith, hope and love. They are to be assured that God will not punish them because Christ died for them. Earlier in 4:13-18 he told them not to worry about those who were already dead because they would rise from the dead when the Lord returns. In our text he assures them further that even those who are “asleepâ€� have nothing to fear because nothing can separate them from the Lord. But in order to grow in faith, love and hope, we must encourage one another. Looking out for one anotherâ€"s needs is another way that we can be watchful and alert. In other words, we are to not only be alert to our own needs, temptations or even limitations, we should help each other out. We have a responsibility to each other. Not to judge or condemn but to encourage and build up one another so that we are prepared to overcome the difficulties of this life.