Encourage One Another
9th DECEMBER 2020
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. [1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV]
Words of encouragement to a weary soul can be likened to a spring of life-giving water gushing out to satisfy a thirsty soul. One important benefit of family life is the encouragement we can offer to and receive from each other. Our brethren are there to encourage and strengthen us when life gets tough.
As we steer our way through the twists and turns of life, we need a support system to cheer us on, uplift us and even look out for us. People often give up on the dream and goals and on life itself in the absence of encouragement from the people they are surrounded by. As individuals, we often dwell so much on the things that go wrong and lose sight of all our other blessings. In such situations, it takes the love and support of well-meaning people to encourage us so that our hope is restored.
People often underestimate the role encouragement from brethren plays in building them up. Our opening scripture reminds us that encouragement builds up people. A critical spirit on the other hand tears up people and breaks relationships. Sometimes our encouragement may be in the form of correction or calling attention to danger on a brother’s blindside. Our motivation in all of these instances should be love.
All of our relationships must be characterised by kind words that edify and build each other up. Our words should be a channel through which God comforts and brings hope to others. As we learn to constantly be a voice of encouragement, God will also bring encouragement our way when we need it most.
Dear Lord, I thank You that You are a great God of hope and comfort to all Your children. I pray that I will walk in Your steps and always be a source of encouragement to all my brethren.
Further Reading: Hebrews 10:25
Bible In One Year: Numbers [19–22]
