Encouragement
One of the most needed gifts we can give each other is that of encouragement. When I was in graduate school and on the verge of throwing in the proverbial towel, two people came alongside me and their encouragement helped me complete my course. And if I had not stayed, I would not have ended up married to Garry.
More recently, when I was ready to quit writing, three people provided words of encouragement just when I needed them.
Through many media, we can encourage each other.
The first command to encouragement I found in the Bible is in Deuteronomy 1:38; this is repeated in 3:28. What was the context? Moses was to encourage Joshua and strengthen him as Joshua would lead Israel into the Promised Land. This was a major hand off of leadership.
In Acts, Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, became known as Barnabas because of his reputation as an encourager; wouldn't you like a reputation like that?
Throughout Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, and Hebrews, we see encouraging and encouragement mentioned multiple times.
Here is just a selection:
Romans 15:4-6: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Philippians 2:1-2: "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."
Colossians 2:2-3: "So that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Hebrews 6:17-18: "So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."
And being so encouraged, let us finish this week with Hebrews 10:23-25: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one ano0ther to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
More recently, when I was ready to quit writing, three people provided words of encouragement just when I needed them.
Through many media, we can encourage each other.
The first command to encouragement I found in the Bible is in Deuteronomy 1:38; this is repeated in 3:28. What was the context? Moses was to encourage Joshua and strengthen him as Joshua would lead Israel into the Promised Land. This was a major hand off of leadership.
In Acts, Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, became known as Barnabas because of his reputation as an encourager; wouldn't you like a reputation like that?
Throughout Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, and Hebrews, we see encouraging and encouragement mentioned multiple times.
Here is just a selection:
Romans 15:4-6: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Philippians 2:1-2: "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."
Colossians 2:2-3: "So that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Hebrews 6:17-18: "So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."
And being so encouraged, let us finish this week with Hebrews 10:23-25: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one ano0ther to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
posted by Ebeth | 10:52 AM
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