When we encourage others and when others encourage us, it’s something that is very relational–it brings us closer. When we encourage others we affirm goodness. We often see people who struggle and we often struggle ourselves, don’t we? When we give encouragement, as well as when we receive encouragement, we are given a strength from the compassion that we experience.
Philippians 1:3-6 (TNIV)
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.1 Samuel 23:16 (TNIV)
And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
My nephew, Aria Daryadel is an aspiring screen writer. I have always encouraged his creativity and the pursuit of his craft. Today at Thanksgiving dinner we talked, it seemed like hours, about writing and the heart that we both have for sharing with others in our lives. We also talked about God’s part in our calling, about prayer and relationships. He encouraged me and I encouraged him. We both were given strength through our shared encouragement.
The way that we communicate encouragement to others is so important. The words that we use can be a double edged sword, they both help to lift someone up–but they can also hurt and hinder. God is the author of “encouragement”. Choose words and thoughts that are uplifting and positive. Spend time listening and seek Godly advice together.
Since Veterans Day, I have been seeking out many of the soldiers that were in my platoon and unit during that period in my life when I was in the Army, in the Gulf War. I am encouraged by what they are doing with their life. So far, many of them have taken a step in ministry. My friend Robert Holt is a pastor, my friend Keith Allen and his wife are Gospel singers in Alabama, my friend Harry Jackson is an Apostle in new York. And there are more. Many others are simply actively seeking God’s will in their life and investing in their families and those around them.
How else can we communicate encouragement to others? By being whom we are in Christ. By simply being real in life and seeking out a relationship with Jesus. By praying for each other and building each other up. By being that light that Jesus talked about that can’t be hidden.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (TNIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.Ephesians 4:29 (TNIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
And finally, as we seek to become “encouragers” in life, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
May you take the time to encourage those around you that are doing good or that need strength in something they are facing. May you help others find the strength of God so that they may endure day by day. And may you be encouraged and be given strength in your relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!