Therefore encourage one another...
As she approached me from across the room, my heart was filled with expectation and excitement at the thought that she seemed genuinely interested for a moment in my seemingly small life. She warmly greeted me with a hug and a huge smile. She quickly asked me a few questions and before I could finish my answers the eyes which once seemed focused on mine, were now wondering about the room at who would be her next target. I quickly realized her greeting was part of what she did, rather than who she was. I was young, insecure, and in need of the genuine love and care of an older Christian woman. I just needed a little encouragement. A few words would have gone miles for me.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The body of Christ needs encouragers for today. Some face marital difficulties, have heartaches over rebellious or spiritually indifferent children. Some face financial hardships and their future seems uncertain. And others have such hurt and pain over relationships that life seems unbearable at times. Many are wondering if God truly cares for them, and they certainly don't believe that any other person cares.
We must not depend solely on our pastors and other spiritual leaders to do this. We must also do it ourselves. But we must remember that to encourage is to fortify one another with the strength to endure. It does not mean to commiserate with one another over our respective trials and difficulties. As Paul said, "we are to speak only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs." (Ephesians 4:29) So as we care for one another, we must demonstrate care and compassion, but not pity. The other person must know we care, but more importantly, he or she must know that God cares. That is the objective of encouragement.
The next time you are in a room filled with other women, look for the one you can encourage, keep your eyes focused on theirs and remind them of the uplifting truths of God's Word.
In Him....Chris
Chris can also be found at her personal blog Come to the Table
Labels: Chris's Articles, Encouragement, Inspiration
posted by Chris @ Come to the Table @ 8:30 AM
9 Comments:
A big amen to this sweet one, bless you.
a good reminder that it is not always about us, but about others. and that we should stay others-focused and look for ways to bless them.
i've been feeling sorry for myself lately, and this gives me a great perspective on how to bless others!
thanks!
AWESOME, CHRIS! What wonderful teaching! Thank you!
Thanks for such a great reminder and challenge!!
You have expressed this truth so well Chris. I know that feeling when someone asks how you are and you actually begin to share something on your heart only to realize they are not really very interested at. It is hurtful. We need one another and those that encourage are a great blessing. And it needs to be done in just the way you have written.
Great devotional Chris. I'm missing you, but I know you are having a great summer with your family. Be blessed!!
Chris, I just blogged about how we are "Heralds" for Christ...your dose really spoke to me! We can be heralds in so many way...it's part of who we are in this "body of Christ!" Thanks so much for the inspriation today!
This is a great word. I can list the women in my life that have encouraged me at critical times! It also spurs me on to do more for those around me!
I am so guilty of not seeking out ways to bless others...if an opportunty comes along, i'm all in, but am i constantly on the search?
thanks so much for making me think!
lisa
Chris,
Many are wondering if God truly cares for them, and they certainly don't believe that any other person cares....
I cannot tell you how many people believe this to be true. I is absolutely critical that the people of God reach out and care for others. Wonderful Post. Thank you.
Post a Comment
It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home