Encourage One Another

A recent search for the word "encourage" in the Bible brought 92 direct references.  This is obviously a quality of character that matters to God. 

The dictionary definition of “encourage” includes these ideas:  to give support, confidence or hope; help or stimulate to develop; inspire, motivate, nurture, champion, and strengthen.

When we truly love and care for a person our desire is for life at its best for them.  We need to take time to listen to and talk with our loved ones or friends who are struggling and try to understand what is going on in their lives.  Sometimes just discussing a problem helps a person find a solution or resolve an issue.  Of course, not everything can be resolved that easily.  We can show we care about a person by following up with a phone call, a note, another meeting, or whatever it takes to help that person get through the troublesome time they are experiencing.

Demonstrating to others that we care about them is encouragement to them whether the problem is resolved or not.  If God had not come alongside us when we were struggling and encouraged us to try again, where would we be today?

Let’s look around each day and see the opportunities that God is giving us to encourage others with the same comfort and encouragement we ourselves have received. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to take my eyes off myself and focus on the divine encounters You are giving me to encourage others.  Amen

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