One of my dear sisters is going through a difficult season. To make matters worse, a family member is bringing unnecessary negativity to the situation. How is it, that as Christians, we so often miss the mark in being there for each other and encouraging each other?
“How good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23) It’s wonderful to have someone to encourage you and comfort you when you are going through a difficult season. The Bible challenges us to be a source of encouragement to others. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT). We are called to interact and have fellowship with each other. While is ok to say “I’ll be thinking of you” or “I’ll be praying for you,” it’s far better to have a relationship where you are there to listen and encourage others during a difficult situation.
Too often we try to do things on our ability. When I think about my fall, I felt alone. As I became depressed & discouraged, I gradually began to pull away from others. Though there were people praying for me, no one was there to challenge me & encourage me to keep going. I’m not blaming anyone, but myself; I’m the one that isolated myself from others. I think this is a trick the enemy plays. He wants us to feel detached and disconnected. He wants us to carry the burden alone. He knows that when others speak life into us, we become strengthened and powerful.
I ran on empty for a long time. It’s not a fun place to be. At times, life can be draining. At times we need to be reminded that His, “grace is sufficient for [us], for [His] power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
As Christians, we must take an active role at encouraging others. “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21) so we must use it to build each other up. We need to find the time to be involved in each others' lives. We need to quit focusing on the weaknesses in others, and start focusing on their strengths. We aren’t called to fix each other or solve everyone’s problems. We just need to be there to listen, encourage, & inspire. “Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important” (Galatians 6: 2-3).
I once heard a pastor say that we must encourage our children, for what they hear early in life they will believe. I think that is true for all of us. What we hear during the storms can be just the encouragement we need to change our destiny.
I once heard a pastor say that we must encourage our children, for what they hear early in life they will believe. I think that is true for all of us. What we hear during the storms can be just the encouragement we need to change our destiny.
I love what Jesus said to Peter, knowing that Peter would deny him, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Jesus knew Peter was going to fall; He knew that I was going to fall. I’m so thankful that the fall isn’t the end of the story. Today I feel challenged to encourage others, to strengthen my brothers & sisters. I guess you could say I’m an encourager coach in training.
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