Encouraging Others

Dear Brethren,

In these difficult days, as we are rapidly approaching the return of Jesus Christ, God’s people are experiencing difficult and discouraging times. Some brethren are ill, some are going through divorce, some are in prison, some are needy, and others are facing hard decisions and tough trials. We need to be reminded, from time to time, of our Christian duty and responsibility to encourage and give confidence to one another. Taking the time out to encourage someone who needs it is more important to God than "doing the work" or "producing another booklet." God is our example of giving encouragement.

It is easy to give encouragement when everything is going well, and times are good. It is a sign of mature Christian character to provide encouragement to a discouraged brother or sister in Christ during trying times. Every one of us needs to be assured that there are brethren who are committed to looking out for our best interests. God expects us to find ways to exhort and provoke each other to Christian love and good works. "Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13)

We were not called and given spiritual gifts by God for our sole edification, but for the benefit of all others. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for the profit of all.” (1Corinthians 12:7) If we believe that our responsibility in salvational matters ends with ourselves, we make a grave mistake. “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:33) When we utilize our talents in serving others, as we should, God gives us the encouragement that we need and desire.

God instructed ancient Israel to encourage Joshua. Remember – Joshua was one of the spies who believed – and yet God knew that Joshua needed the additional encouragement to perform his job. "Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." [That is a double negative – it means, "be encouraged!" God is giving Joshua the needed help to face the unknown ] (Deuteronomy 1:21) "Joshua the son of Nun, which stands before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it." (Deuteronomy 1:38)

God encourages us to put our confidence and hope in Him, and He tells us to encourage others. He does not throw us to the wolves, or tell us to sink or swim. God makes it possible for us to achieve the goals He has placed before us. "There is no test that has overtaken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tried above that which you are able [to handle]; but will with the test also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1Corinthians 10:13)

Jesus knew that the disciples needed encouragement on the night before He died. He comforted them with these words: "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me... I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter [God's Holy Spirit of Encouragement], that it may abide with you for ever; ...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:1,16,27). God encourages us through His Spirit.

When a brother or sister in Christ is down, defeated or discouraged, a kind word of hope lifts the spirits – renews them. To encourage, means to turn resolutely in a certain direction - toward God. To encourage, means to spur on, to inspire with confidence, to give hope or courage to someone, to advance, to boost, to promote, to contribute to the growth and progress, to increase or raise the spirit, to establish, and to strengthen. When we set out to encourage others, which is an act of outgoing Biblical love, we, too, find ourselves encouraged.

***

Sermon:  "Encouraging Others"  

image
image