Today is Tuesday, March 11th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2772
Several days ago, I was watching a Christian broadcast on television by Dr. Charles Stanley. It interested me enough that I scribbled down some of his points (when I say scribbled, it isn't in its entirety, as I can't read all of what I have written!). His topic was 'encouraging one another':
"So encourage each other
to build each other up;
just as you are already doing."
~ I Thessalonians 5:11
What are some ways we can encourage?
We can:
accept, admonish, build up,
comfort, confess sins to one another, encourage,
forgive, greet, be hospitable, be kind,
live in peace, pray, motivate,
serve, be subject to one another,
be tenderhearted.
What are some ways we can do this?
call, text, write a card/letter,
give a serious compliment, pray for, fulfill a need,
give someone time, point to a meaningful Bible verse,
be forgiving, tell someone you love them,
be a good example, listen to them, give someone your full attention,
be patient, cry with them, agree with someone where appropriate,
give a meaningful gift, offer an affirming look,
pass on helpful information, express loyalty,
love them when they least deserve it,
assist them in an area where they feel the least adequate,
say 'amen' to what they may have spoken, be a positive motivator.
Who needs encouragement?
Everyone!
Even Jesus
'Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane,
and he said to them,
“Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him,
and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.
Then he said to them,
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.
Stay here and keep watch with me.”'
(Matthew 26:36-38)
Christians transformed the Roman Empire by the way that they lived. It was so opposite from what any culture had witnessed before that time. Their encouraging behavior transformed the world. It continues to change and transform ours today!
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