“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Yesterday one of my dearest friends called me with a word of encouragement. It couldn’t have been a more appropriate time or delivered better.
Sometimes God calls on us to be a source of hope, inspiration, and encouragement to others. The question is “are we listening?”
Do you know that for every negative statement made to a person, it takes 10 positive statements to begin to undo the negative? The spirit of God produces “Joy” not despair. When we use our tongues to degrade others; when we overlook someone who is hurting; when we make derogatory statements against each other, what spirit are we representing?
As I sat on my front porch yesterday, praying to the Lord, I asked God for encouragement. My soul felt downcasted and I did not want to lose His ‘joy’. No sooner had I uttered this prayer, then my daughter brought me my cell phone, and I heard the encouraging words of my friend.
Someone may need to hear from you today. Be the voice that uplifts and strengthens. Be the person God can count on to deliver hope to His people.
- Speak words of Belief : God is in control. As David stated in the Psalms, the righteous will not be forsaken. We are children of The King! He will take care of us!
- Speak words of Help: Offer insight and inspiration to those who struggle. Relate to similar problems in your own life or others. Ask what tangible thing you can do to help.
- Speak words of Affirmation: God is the same God today, yesterday, and forevermore. Nothing surprises Him. No matter what happens in life, He will turn it for good, if you allow Him to do so.
Live daily the role of “Christian.” Where there is hatred – show love. Where there is despair – bring hope. Where there is darkness – be light. Where there is confusion – be understanding. Where there is animosity – bring peace. Where there is doubt – show faith. Be the instrument Christ needs you to be.
