The Ministry of Encouragement!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So speak encouraging words to one another.
Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.
I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.”

Expectations play a significant role in setting the stage for our life experiences.  On occasions when those expectations are not met, we experience an emotion we all know as Disappointment, which is generally accompanied by pain or “hurt feelings.”  Even with a success or great accomplishment, we can be left weary and a bit drained.  This sometimes causes us to ask ourselves “Was it worth it?” We all have these times in our lives, and I believe this is one of the reasons that we are commanded in the Word of God to Encourage one another.

Things do not always turn out as we hoped they would, and people do not always do or say what we thought they should; but Be Ye Encouraged and accordingly, make sure that you practice the Ministry of Encouragement.  Giving to others, the very thing that you need.

A single Encouraging word has the power to change the atmosphere.  An Encouraging word can connect with the promises of God and the desires deep within our heart.  Sometimes, it is not even a word; it may just be a Warm Embrace.  You know, a Hug!  A sincere hug can turn disappointment into hope, and restore confidence and determination.  It signifies to another that you are proud of them that you are in agreement with them and in support of them, or sometimes, that you simply Understand!  In a nutshell, Encouragement can help us to maintain or regain our focus and “keep it moving.”

There is a song I’m sure most of us know that says. “Sometimes you have to encourage yourself”, and that is true.  However, I challenge us as Spirit filled Believers in Jesus Christ, to meet the mark; to be the one in all seasons to have an Encouraging word on our lips.  Yes, there are times when we have to correct, or admonish others, including our children, but it can be sandwiched between an Encouraging word.  We don’t want to leave people feeling condemned or beat down, but we want them to understand that they can accomplish or correct that which has been pointed out to them.  We want them to know that success is possible because they can do all things through Christ who Strengthens them. (Philippians 4:13)

Lastly, who needs to be Encouraged?  We all do.  We may be quick to offer a word of Encouragement to those who appear to be experiencing a difficult time, or someone might share a situation with you and it is clear that they need to be Encouraged.  However, this might surprise you, but those who you find doing well, seeming to have it all together, to be focused and on an achieving track, they need your Encouragement too.  If we believe and understand, that to whom much is given, much is required, or as it says in Luke 12:48 (The Message Bible), “Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities”, then when we see someone celebrating a great accomplishment in their life, we will also know that they have made great sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure to achieve it.  A Job Well Done, can leave you a little weary, and even though they may have won the war, there was likely a few lost battles and some casualties along the way.  We ALL need to be Encouraged!

So I challenge you on this day, and every day.  Purposefully Pour an Encouraging Word into someone else’s life.

Acts 20:1 [ Macedonia and Greece ] With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.