Hello friends. We are blessed to be together every Sunday to worship God in spirit and in truth and to encourage one another “to stir up love and good works…exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.” Are you an encourager? God has commanded that we encourage and edify one another. Read Hebrews 10:23-25 then 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to see for yourself.
There is tremendous power and strength in encouragement! Charles Schwab was a steel executive under Andrew Carnegie. Before WW2 his salary was $1 Million a year. He was once asked why he felt he was worth that much money. Was it because he knew more about steel than anyone else? He expressed the answer to that question in this way: “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among the men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in man is by appreciation and encouragement. There is nothing that so kills the ambitions of a man as criticism from his superiors. I never criticize anyone. I believe in giving a man incentive to work. So, I am anxious to praise but loathe to find fault. If I like anything, I am hearty in my approbation and lavish in my praise.”
It would be an admirable trait for every Christian to be known as people who are quick to praise the good and slow to criticize. Jesus was an encourager. He saw potential in everyone. Consider the woman who was caught in sin in John 8. Jesus said to her “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Jesus saw her potential for good and challenged her to move forward to do what He believed she could. Jesus saw potential in His disciples and said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). They left their nets and followed Him. Jesus encouraged Peter in Luke 22:31-34 about what Peter would do before the rooster crowed and said, “and when you have returned to Me, strengthen the brethren.” Jesus encouraged little children in Matthew 19:14 and said, “of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus even encouraged Judas Iscariot in John 13:27 when He told him “What you do, do quickly.” Jesus presented goals and He expected good results.
Do you remember Barnabas’ real name? Do you remember why he was called “Barnabas” by the apostles? Read Acts 4:32-37 to see. Note his examples of encouragement: He found Saul in Tarsus when he had been forgotten by others (Acts 9:26-28). He rescued John Mark when he had been rejected (Acts 15:36-37). He was always giving to and promoting someone else.
It doesn’t take talent to encourage, only Christ in you and me. It will be by our WORDS that we will be either justified or condemned (Matthew 12:37). Let us ever encourage one another…building each other up in the most holy faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. MB
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