Devotionals

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

In the busyness of our daily lives it is easy to become self-absorbed and focused on our own needs and concerns but scripture implores us to encourage one another. Encouragement makes it easier to live holy in a sinful world. Therefore, it is important to be deliberate in finding ways to encourage and lift others up.

Without encouragement, we can be become overwhelmed and feel unloved. There are several ways to encourage others that take little time and effort.

Be a good listener

Sometimes people don’t need profound advice, rather they just need a listening ear.

Give the gift of your time

Our life is made up of time, and time is a gift from God, so it is important that it be used in fruitful ways. Whether you are offering your time to babysit for a single parent, talking over a hot cup of tea with a lonely neighbor or visiting a nursing home, time is a precious gift of encouragement.

Be willing to pass on your wisdom

Regardless of your age or status in life, each of us have gone through trials and seasons where we learned something that we can impart to another person for God’s glory.

Share your gifts and talents

God equips each of us in a unique way to encourage others. Perhaps, it’s your gift of cooking or baking that you can use to encourage a family experiencing a time of illness. Maybe you are a builder by trade and could provide much needed home repairs for a family struggling financially. Whatever God has blessed you with, be willing to bless others.

Offer a word of encouragement

Words have the ability to tear down or build up. Use your words to inspire and encourage others thereby advancing the kingdom of God.

The Gospel is God’s gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to God. Encouragement from the bible gives hope and can help others move from a place of despair to abundant life. So, be bold in sharing the gospel and your personal life story.

Your life is your message to the world – make sure it is inspiring.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you

Kindness is a sign of greatness! It is the harvest of the fruit of the Spirit which primarily benefits others and what a need we have for more of it in the world today. Unfortunately, people are so busy looking out for #1 that kindness is becoming more and more scarce. Many people think that taking the time to show kindness can be too time-consuming, too demanding, or too likely to interfere with their own lifestyle. But living the Spirit-filled life is not to be avoided. God has set the standard by which Christians are to live in lavishing His never-ending loving-kindness on each of us, through the person of Jesus Christ. In living a fruitful life, we are to treat others as we have been treated by God – with kindness, sympathy, compassion and generosity.

We’re all familiar with the scripture, “it is better to give than to receive.” No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. When given it is not lost rather it’s an investment that has eternal rewards. It also has a boomerang affect – the more you give, the more comes back to you. Kindness is a quality that is contagious. When people notice others being kind, they often become inspired themselves to act that way.

Being kind is love in action. Kindness is something you do. It’s a practical expression of love. It’s active, not just emotional. Everyone you encounter is fighting a battle that you know nothing about. As Christians, we must be watchful for everyday moments when a little kindness can make a big difference in another person’s day.

One day a man was walking on the beach and noticed a young boy throwing starfish into the ocean. As he came closer he said, “May I ask what you are doing?” The boy replied, “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.” “But there are thousands washed up today. I’m afraid you won’t make much of a difference”, said the man. The boy picked up another starfish and threw it as far as he could. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”

Your life is your message to the world – make sure it is inspiring!