We all need and appreciate a word of encouragement. To be an encourager goes beyond random words and acts of kindness. It is a person who continually gives and encourages others by words, love, hope, and support. An encourager is a person who loves God and loves others no matter the circumstance. God commands us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love and serve others. Simply put, God expects us all to be Godly encouragers.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (Romans 15:5).“Now also for this very reason, having brought in all earnestness, supplement into your faith virtue, and into virtue knowledge, and into knowledge self-control, and into self-control endurance, and into endurance godliness, and into godliness brotherly affection, and into brotherly affection love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Like most all of the things that God calls us to do, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to make it happen. It is not our natural inclination to think of others before ourselves, so most of us have to learn to die to our selfish desires and choose to put others’ needs before our own. Through prayer and studying the Bible, a Christian will develop a selfless, genuine, and humble heart for others. They will be able to teach those who struggle to experience peace and joy in their pain. An encourager is a good listener and has the gift of seeing hope in the worst of situations. Godly encouragers are friends that are in for the long haul. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). Although God has commanded us to encourage one another, sometimes, we do just the opposite. Instead of encouraging, we discourage; Instead of concentrating on the strengths, we look for weaknesses. Instead of giving healthy criticism, we tear down and destroy. When the world sees us, what do they see?Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35)
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement as we continue to reach out and train up Christian leaders, young and old, in the Christian worldview. We are determined to raise an army of believers who are willing to go wherever God calls for His glory!
Blessings and much love!
Nancy