Paul said this to encourage and comfort us!

The Apostle Paul knew the importance of mutual encouragement. He taught the brethren  to watch over each other and to continually encourage each other in the faith.  In Ephesians 6: 21, 22 (AMP), Paul told the Ephesian brethren:  “Now, so that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are, and that he may comfort and encourage and strengthen your hearts.” He was very aware that the brethren went through many difficulties, so they needed encouragement. He also knew that they were praying for him, so he wanted to update them on how he was doing. He also shared this very important point in Hebrews 3:13: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Part of the strength of their fellowship was that they guarded each others’ hearts from being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. The fellowship of the saints mutually protected, encouraged and uplifted them. They continually prayed for each other, and watched each others’ backs. Now it’s our turn. We need to watch over each other, encourage each other, minister to each other, pray for each other and be accountable to each other. In the fellowship of the saints, there is strength, stability, confidence, joy, peace, provision, wisdom, and the blessing of being part of the family of God!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”