The act of encouraging

By Jennifer Moreno

Throughout my walk with Christ I’ve realized more and more that I am an encourager by nature. I enjoy and find pure joy in helping uplift others. I’m all about encouraging people to believe in themselves. So where does that spirit of encouragement come from? Perhaps it is something G-d has given me as a gift or an ability to impart to others. Whatever the reason, one thing I do know is that G-d wants us to encourage each other and ourselves.

Hebrews 3:13 says “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

There is a reason why the Bible is adamant about brothers and sisters encouraging each other. That’s because Jesus himself said we will face tribulations in this world, but to take heart that He has overcome the world.

Take Moses as an example, he felt as though he was not equipped to take on the Pharaoh of Egypt. Exodus 3:10-4:21, G-d provided the resources which gave encouragement that Moses would need.

Look at what happened to Peter, even after Peter denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times Jesus upon his return was gentle, loving and encouraging. There will be times you will disappoint the Lord and that’s ok, he is merciful to forgive you. As long as you repent and don’t go back to sinning. Peter was broken and repentant and Christ forgave, restored and encouraged him.

1 Thesalossians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

G-d encourages us daily and we should also encourage ourselves daily and encourage others. G-d’s Word gives us examples to teach us how to encourage one another.

Whenever you see a brother or a sister that needs encouragement, step out of your comfort zone of silence and speak up. Your encouragement may be the answer that person needed to a prayer. Sometimes there are people that G-d puts on your path specifically because only you can touch them deeply. Not me, but you.
We are all unique and we all have something special to bring to the table.

There may be opportunities in the street, at the grocery, at the park, at work to encourage someone who is down and doesn’t feel like there is a way out of their situation. Guess what, that’s why you’re there…let G-d use you.

Encouragement is an act of love and by doing that you are honoring the Lord your G-d.

John 15:12 – “Love one another as G-d so loved you”.