Be an Encourager

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

I have many friends and family who are enduring some really tough trials right now. At times it's so overwhelming that I don't even know how to help them. In fact, in some cases there is nothing anyone can do to 'fix' the problem. In other cases, it seems they are in impossible circumstances that only God can intervene and turn things around. In these cases I find myself at a loss of what to even say or do.

However, we can look to Scripture to see how we can help those who are in seemingly impossible circumstances. We can encourage them and stand alongside them in their trials. Edifying one another...encouraging one another, especially in the midst of trials is so very important.

First, we must encourage one another in the faith, in good times and bad. By consistently encouraging one another, we grow a foundation that grounds one another so that we are prepared when trials and troubles hit. How do we encourage one another? By focusing on Christ and His coming glory. "Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 Worshipping together, meditating on God's Word, reminding each other of the victory we have in Christ and His coming glory is some very strong encouragement. In the worst of times, we can meditate on this picture and remember WHO is going to win in the end! Hallelujah!

Second, we can encourage one another through prayer. Praying one for another, interceding one for another, on our knees petitioning our loving God for one another is some very awesome encouragement. Collosians 4:2 says, " Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." We see an example of Paul praying for his young assistant, Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:3, Paul writes "Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers." Why did Paul remember Timothy in his prayers? Because they were friends. In fact Timothy was like a son to Paul. Because Timothy was a young man, he faced some unique challenges in preaching and teaching the Gospel. Paul understood the challenges Timothy faced and wrote words of encouragement to him (1 and 2 Timothy) as well as having prayed for him. Prayer with and for one another is such a great encourager.

Third, we can encourage one another simply by offering our support. We may not be able to fix the problem our friend is facing, but we can come along side of them and support them through our words and our actions. Sometimes all we can do is just be there for them - to listen, to pray, and to wrap our arms around them. Loving on them and reaffirming God's love for them can go a long way in the midst of trials.

I have some wonderful friends who are amazing at encouraging others. They seem to know exactly what to say and what to do. When I see them, I think my own efforts of encouragement fall short. Encouraging others is one of my weaknesses. What to say or do sometimes escapes me. Maybe you feel awkward and don't know just quite how to encourage others. Don't let that keep you from being an encourager. Don't worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Give it an honest effort and simply do your best. Believe me, it will be appreciated. You can also observe those who are encouragers. What kinds of things do they say and do? Their example can show you how you can be an encourager.

Though some of us are far more gifted at encouraging than others, let all of us "... never get tired of doing good." (2 Thess. 3:13)

Grace and peace, friends.
In His Love, Cathy