Encourage One Another
Scripture is constantly reminding us to encourage one another.
We all need the inspiration & strength that encouragement brings.
Encouragement spurs on, supports & strengthens the soul & spirit of another.
It builds hope, courage & confidence by stirring hearts & lifting heads.
That is why it is so important it is part & parcel of our culture as the body of Christ.
making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Romans 1:10-12
The Apostle Paul knew the power & strength of encouragement.
He knew he needed to give encouragement to others & to receive encouragement from others.
Encouragement needs to be given & it also needs to be received!! SELAH.
Paul realised the blessing & benefit of mutual encouragement & edification. He realised the great worth & value it imparted to people & so made it his life’s work to keep on encouraging others. He also took every opportunity to be encouraged by others.
Encouragement is a powerful & potentially life changing thing. It imparts the souls & spirit with spiritual strength. Best of all it is completely free & we can ALL do it. In it’s simplest form it is cheering somebody else on. We have a great cloud/crowd of witnesses cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1). We like Paul need to be those who give encouragement & also those who receive encouragement. There are far too may critics tearing people down & discouraging people in this world & so let us choose the better way, the Jesus way, let us be encouragers & builders up of others.
Encouragement is highly infectious. It spreads rapidly & easily goes viral.
In encouraging others we will receive encouragement back.
That is because of the spiritual principle of sowing & reaping (Galatians 6:7-10).
Let us sow many seeds of encouragement so that we can reap back a good crop in due time.
Let us make our communities places of unceasing mutual encouragement.
It is our Christian duty to encourage but let us go the extra mile & make it our delight.
To God be the glory.
For Reflection
- How have I been encouraged lately?
- Who can I encourage today? And how?
- Meditate on the power we have to choose & take joy.
An encouraging song:
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You are my greatest encourager.
Lord Jesus thank you for Your constant & unceasing encouragement of me.
Holy Spirit equip, enable & empower me to be an encourager of others.
This I ask in, & through, the mighty Name of Jesus.
AMEN
Written by Gareth Jones