April 4, 2014 Encouragement
Friday April 4, 2014
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” (Romans 15:1-2 MSG)
Do you look around at others you come into contact with and ask yourself “How can I be of help to one of these people?” or, do you look around at others you come into contact with and think “I need help from someone!”
At a point in each of our lives we have been in one of these two places. The Bible tells us there is a season for every activity under the sun. There is a time to be quiet and a time to speak. When we are struggling with our problems it may be a time to be quiet and reach out to others saying “I need help”. When we have overcome some struggles of our own it may be a time to speak to ourselves and ask “How can I help someone else”. Encouraging our family, our friends, our neighbours or those we come into contact with can make a big difference in their lives. For example, Can you cook for someone who may be ill and unable to cook for themselves? Can you make a phone call to someone you care about and encourage them in whatever they may be doing? Can you visit a person who is “shut in” because of illness? Can you pray for someone? Can you write a letter of encouragement? Can you pleasantly work together with others? Can you smile? Can you hug? Can you just listen attentively to another because they are important to God? These are only a few suggestions. Ask yourself, “What can I do today, with what I have today, that will bless others and give me deep satisfaction in doing it?
Listen to what Jesus said,
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:37-38 NLT)
We have all been given different gifts according to the plan of God. These gifts are given so that we can encourage one another. Our love and desire to help must be sincere and generous. Invest your gifts, your time and your talents that God has given you in the lives of others. You will reap a high return on your investment. Don’t be a miser in encouraging others. Give encouragement generously!
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