So many people in my world are struggling with discouragement in their lives…it’s a pretty common occurrence for all of us. Discouragement can suck the joy, the life, and the fun out of…well…everything.
I think this is where we are created to help each other. While there are a lot of personal disciplines that we can do with our own effort, such as prayer and devotions, there is a whole other level of our well-being that depends on others. (This is probably why Jesus says to go to church and be a part of the His community!)
Here are some verses about our role to encourage those around us:
2 Corinthians 13:11 – Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore
encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive,
encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
The Bible even links discouragement to sin when we read that those who are encouraged by one another can be kept from sin.
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
It is imperative that we all work of “job” of encouragement to the best of our ability today. Who in your world needs encouragement today? Have you told your leaders that you appreciate their effort? Have you told your kids that they are doing a good job? Have you told your spouse what you value about them? What about that elderly neighbor who needs to know that their life has meaning?
Today, and everyday, let’s not allow time to pass without seeing the opportunities around us to spread encouragement. When you feel like you will sound silly expressing those thoughts, remind yourself that God created us to be encouragers!
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