Encourage One Another
By Ana Blackwell
The Bible says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thes 5:11). One of the blessings of being a Christian is having a sense of community. All people go through hard times at one point or another. The problem is, we live in the Instagram age where the posts we see are the highlights of one’s fabulous life. When people are out in public they also tend to have a smile plastered on their face, yet many feel as though they are slowly suffocating on the inside. I think we have lost the sense of looking past the surface and seeing someone’s heart. We constantly say “hello, how are you”, but we don’t care how they are. We hope they grin and give us the polite response, “good, you?”.
I am busy, you are busy, grandma, Joey, and everyone else is in a hurry to get to the next appointment. As a Christian though, we are called to encourage each other. Not just the best friend, or a close family member. It is time to get back to the true purpose of gathering together with our brothers and sisters.
I debated mentioning my own experience, but I will for the sake of having an example. I have been at three different churches in the last 4 years because of moving around. I do not walk around downcast, nor do I look like a wounded dog from those charity commercials while at church. With that said, people know I am blind yet I have only had two people come up to me to encourage me in the last couple years. It is hard for me to complain because I have a beautiful family, a roof over my head, and all my needs are met, but yes, not being able to see anything gets lonely and dark (pun intended).
Thankfully I have an amazing husband who is my number one fan and encourages me all the time. I wonder though, how many people come to church looking for hope because they don’t have someone, but leave just as empty as when they came. Honestly, they might as well stay home to watch the pastor’s awesome sermon. No need to waste gas if the sense of authentic fellowship isn’t there.
It is time to notice the single moms and dads who are barely getting by some days. Why not go up to them and tell them what a great job they are doing. Maybe encourage your pastor who always has a smile on his face at church, but needs to hear an uplifting word every once in a while. Do not wait around for a special sign from God to inject some light into someone’s day. A kind word never hurt anyone.
Perhaps you say encouragement isn’t your gift as it says in Romans 12:8 “…if it is to encourage, give encouragement. If it is giving, then give generously. If it is to lead, then lead diligently. If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
That’s alright. It is true, there are some individuals who have a way with their words that is edifying. This does not excuse you or I from being loving. If you are not good with your words, that is fine. The Word has your back and will help you on your mission to be uplifting. Below are a couple of my favorite verses to share that are sure to give courage to someone to face the day.
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
These are only three of many, many verses God has prepared for His children when they go through difficult times. So please, let Jesus use you today to encourage another fellow human.
