Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need. - Philippians 2:28
Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.
Scripture testifies of many whom God enables to encourage others. When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exod. 18:1-27). When Paul was imprisoned far from those who moved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Phil 2:25-30). Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Tim. 4:9 and Phil 2:19-20). Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also, Mark was the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship. Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul. Paul experienced trials throughtout his life, but God sustained him by placed godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways.
God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others and bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers.
Are you this person? Do you offer "encouragement" or "advice"? Do the words that you want to use encourage the person that you are speaking to or are they to only build up yourself in the face of the other person? Sometimes our pride gets in the way here and we need to realize that God puts us in situations that are for his good and his will only. God will use you to build up others, but you have to be willing to be "used" by God. Are you ready?
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3 comments:
It's true that at times, I would rather be the prettiest or have the smartest kid or the cleanest house or the most money. It feels good to be better than others. But that's definitely not what God calls us to do. We are here to lift up Him and others, not ourselves.
Exactly, but you are here to lift up whomever God puts in your path. Right now that path has Ethan in it very often. Can you imagine the life of a child that had encouragement vs. one that only has punishment and shame? Encourage him each day to do more and reach for the star!
Encouragement and praise for Ethan is a very common thing around here. We love him to death, and as a result, his head is bigger than a watermelon! But that's my job, and I love it!
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