Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do. (1 Thess. 5:11)
Words simply cannot express how much I personally appreciate the kind encouragement that I have received from everyone. All the kind words are so helpful. Plus, seeing our good attendance and even those who have come forward asking for prayer and one being baptized energizes the congregation. These encouragements give us all commitment to our purpose and keep each of us motivated to do as we should on a daily basis (Heb. 3:13).
Everyone needs encouragement. Hebrews 10:25 tells us it is vital to be involved and exhorting all members. Sometimes, we may think everyone is fine and we have nothing to worry about. Hopefully that is the case but in truth we are all fighting a hard battle against a dangerous foe (1 Peter 5:8). Plus, life itself can be problematic. Job 14:1 says, “Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble”. I will admit there have been several times some may ask ‘how are you?’ and I will reply ‘doing okay’ when that might not be the whole of it. While it may be in reality a small and manageable issue, everyone deals with stress and worry. Always be kind and encouraging because we never know what battle another is fighting.
When we encourage others we are helping them to be confident in themselves and most importantly in God. As was pointed out in our class Wednesday night by Bro. Greg, one of the reasons congregations struggle for elders, deacons, and others to serve in different capacities, is not that there aren’t those who are able, but rather a lack of encouragement for them to assume and fill the role that is needed. It’s amazing to us what some can do if only encouraged properly sometimes.
Being a good encourager to others is a talent (Rom. 12:8). When we use our talents to please God and uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can then be at peace with ourselves. Truly, there is no greater joy than helping someone along life’s way and when we let someone know we see them doing what is right and recognize they are doing so to the best of their ability, that might be all the assurance they need in continuing to do so.
Jason Barger