“Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Isn’t it a blessing that God gives us people in our lives – family, friends and even random acquaintances to interact with and encourage? Times can look bleak and dark in the world around us, but if we look closer to home, where God has us, we can be a light and encouragement.
Let’s purpose to make an effort everyday to let our light shine for God! Let’s learn to sincerely encourage one another and build each other up. To remind others and ourselves that darkness never overcomes the light.
Encouragement is a Two-Way Street
The beautiful thing about when we encourage another person, is that doesn’t return void. When we give sincerely and unbegrudgingly, that comes back to us, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing! We can’t outgive God! And I love to think that our kindness and compassion, our sincere care and encouragement for another pleases Him.
When you interact with others, be mindful and alert. Listen for opportunities to pray for them. Remember the details they share so that you check on them later. And if you say that you will pray for them, be sure you do. Don’t mindlessly offer prayers and forget to follow through.
I believe that encouraging one another is more than just kind words. Sincerity, truth, and care must be behind them. Be careful not to mindlessly agree with people, really listen and speak truth! Sometimes I really think people just need to know that someone sees them and cares. Other times I think they need to borrow just a bit of faith!
It can be such a beautiful thing to believe the goodness and provision of God and remind someone of His faithful care! I know when others do it for me it is as if they have breathed life back into my hopes and dreams!
And this is where truth comes in – and listening carefully. I truly believe that God provides for His people – often just in the nick of time! And I can remind people of this and mean it and believe it! God’s promises and His care apply to His people. And sometimes we just need someone to remind us!
Build Each Other Up
How do you build something up? Perhaps you make it taller, stronger, better, more attractive, more reliable, etc. This is so vital for us to do as Christians! God has equipped us with incredible power if we will but use what He has given us.
So how do we build each other up? I think it begins with encouraging one another, with sincerity and truth. Then we figure out how to show them God’s love through prayer, listening to what they have to say, helping them when appropriate. Perhaps it entails baking a treat to show them they are cared about. Hearing their struggle and providing a possible solution, no strings attached. Checking in on them and letting them know they are valued.
We are to be a light and to shine that light in the midst of the darkness and nonsense that surrounds us. To strengthen one another and to build each other up. And do you know what comes of all this? When you look past yourself and help others, God does the same for you! He sends people, He makes a way, He encourages as only He can.
Take the Time
I often find that to encourage one another takes time. Time is one of our most valuable assets that we can give to God and share with others. Submit to Him and ask Him how He would have you use your time. Often it won’t be how you planned, but when it is done for His glory it will be so much better spent!
As the saying goes, we are to listen and obey and leave the results up to God. It is really that simple! But it requires surrender. Surrender to our self-imposed deadlines, agendas, plans, and to-do lists. Be alert to where God needs you to serve for Him!
Until next time!
Hope.
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