Encourage...

One of the most important parts of following Jesus is gathering with fellow followers on a regular basis. It is in the company of the saints that we find God’s love expressed most fully. When believers gather, the purpose is encouragement. That’s what the Bible says.

Hebrews 10:19-25, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)

Following God is not easy. The Holy Spirit within us has plenty of power to help us in resisting temptation and doing what’s right, but sometimes we falter despite his aid. We need others filled with the same loving God to lift us up and give us courage to carry on.

Have you been a courage giver recently? If not, there’s no better time than the present to start. Think of your friends at church, your brothers and sisters in Christ. Has any of them been through a difficult time in the past week or two? Find them next Sunday and pray with them. Do you know of someone who has a terrible work situation? Share with them the comfort God gave you in a similar situation years back.

This kind of activity is so beneficial, but it doesn’t happen without effort. So make the decision. “I’m going to be an encourager!” Then do it…NOW!

God bless you as you love him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and as you love your neighbor as yourself!

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