For Now We Live

1 Thessalonians 3:8 (KJV)
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

As much as we observe how Paul likes to give detailed discourses, we also see how often he uses impactful short statements (notice a couple  in 1Th 5!).
And such a simple but brilliant statement!
"live" here quite obviously does not refer to physical existence per se, but rather the purpose of existence. In other words, to live for.
As what Paul wrote to the Philippians in Phi 1:24 — Phi 1:25
"Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;"

Truth be told, our existence in this life is ultimately only meaningful if it is spent in securing our reward in heaven! And that entails being in the faith and a lifetime of faithful service.

That is what Paul and his fellow workers live for - to help fellow saints stand fast in the Lord. "fast" here meaning firm and secure. Thus to remain firm and secure, stedfast and unmovable (c.f. 1Co 15:58) in the Lord, in the faith.
The same sentiment was expressed by John in
3Jo 1:3 — 3Jo 1:4
"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

What is the best way to encourage one another? Be faithful! Be busy with God's work! Be part of the solution and not the problem! That we can rejoice one with another and not be continually vexed and grieved. How ironic is it for us to be spending time and resources, even putting our personal spiritual health at risk to "put out fires" within the church, when we should be drawing strength from one another and expending our efforts to reach out to the lost?

God help us all to stand fast in the Lord, that we might be an encouragement to live meaningful and joyous lives, that we might finally be "ever... with the Lord" (1Th 4:17)