Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (HCSB)
Encouraging one another doesn’t sound so hard. A fist bump here, an “atta girl” there. A quick text to say “Hang in there, you can do this!” A hug when you see a friend in person.
Encouraging one another sounds pretty easy . . . until you realize it’s not.
What happens when she gets the opportunity that passed you by? What about when your co-worker gets the credit for a job well done that couldn’t have happened without you? When that mom in your moms’ group has everything already figured out? When it’s a weary looking shopper in the cereal aisle at the grocery? When it’s your spouse as you meet to unravel a financial mess you might attribute to their bookkeeping? When it’s another family member and you worry about embarrassing yourself or them?
Encouragement sounds simple, but if our own emotions get in the way, it can actually be rather difficult to “encourage one another and build each other up.” She doesn’t need me to tell her she’s doing a good job; she must know already. I don’t even know that lady — she’ll think I’m kooky. Don’t we want to be encouraged? Don’t we deserve to be built up by another?
We do. You do. But the Lord doesn’t give us a free pass to withhold encouragement because of jealousy or fear.
He does ask us to speak life into the hearts of the people in our lives no matter what, because that’s what He does for us.
I know it can be hard. I know that for many reasons, you may not always feel like building someone else up. Encouraging, uplifting words don’t always come naturally, and there can be a fear of those words — of our hearts — being rejected.
Anytime we put our hearts on the line, we take a leap of faith. But in the leaping, we allow the Lord to hold our hand.
Offer the encouraging word nearly spilling from your lips, held back only by fear. Grab the hand of God and let Him guide you — following His lead will never let you down. Encourage one another and build each other up — as simple, and sometimes as difficult, as that.
Who can you boldly encourage and build up this week?
He asks us to speak life into the hearts of the people in our lives no matter what, because that’s what He does for us. -@annaerendell: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Anna, thanks for this call to go to the next level–to trust for grace to put our sin, our feelings, and our insecurities aside and to spread encouragement to anyone God brings alongside us. I have found that often the people who appear to have their act “together” may be the most appreciative of uplifting words because they’re worn out from encouraging others.
Anna,
You know, I’ve never written or spoken a word of encouragement to someone only to have them say, “Thanks for the encouragement, but I already have enough, thanks.” I don’t know of anyone who has life so together that there isn’t some area that is not just perfect. We are all good at hiding the troubles bubbling up under the shiny surface. All I know is that when I have received words of encouragement, they are like a fresh breath of air to a sometimes suffocating person. If I have this reaction, I think perhaps others would feel the same way as well. I don’t know of any encouraging words that have ever been wasted. Great reminder!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Oh ladies how timely is this reminder today! Only 10 minutes ago I wrote truths and love to our daughter living across country whose husband “fell” out of love with her:(. She’s devastated and can only email us .. until she can speak with out crying:( as she’s upholding her children and her medical career..(dr.) Gods never been first in their lives & for 20 years we’ve been praying for their salvation… may God use this as He uses all situations in life to draw the lost .. and us to Him! You’re prayers are appreciated.. blessings on this the day of our Lord \0/
Oh, Sadie! My heart aches for you and your family. I’m going to put you on my daily prayer list. I’ve been the mom in your situation and God was faithful and good. He answers prayer and works all things out for our good. Peace to you and your daughter!
Anna,
Encouragement is one of my God given talents. Each time I have a chance I say hello & praying for a better day tomorrow. You never know what someone else is going through at the time. Sure they may get the job, promotion or whatever that you wanted. You don’t know what lies beneath the surface. They may need that affirmation because their lives are in turmoil. It can seem scary to take that first step & say something. Go ahead give it a try. You just might make their day. People who look like their lives are tied up in a bow usually are the ones with deep rooted problems. We all wear masks at one point or another. We smile & say life is ok. We’re doing fine. When really we aren’t & we need some one to come along side us & give us that hug or high five. I am going to work hard at building up anyone & everyone I come in contact with include & especially my hard working husband!
Blessings 🙂
People of all ages and stages really thrive with sincere encouragement….”a with well spoken is balm to the soul & spirit”…children, teens, adults, elderly all need acknowledgements of gratitude, appreciation and affirmation. God does this for me in His Word and in Jesus’s outstretched arms. The Holy Spirit soothes, comforts, and strengthens me. It’s an honor to bless others, whether it’s family, friends, co workers, strangers or people “just doing their job”. God bless them!
This I copied and pasted, your copyright and all, in my notes to myself, as an oft-needed reminder to do both .
Thank you Anna,
Elizabeth