Encouragement
"The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has (chosen) me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, (downtrodden, bruised ,crushed by tragedy), to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord (the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly)." Luke 4:18-19
I have been in a place where many people knew me, but very few I could consider to be a friend. Doing life alone is not very fun and for me it affected my spiritual walk. When I walked in to Grace Family Church for the first time, I felt like a breath of fresh air. There is something about being in a lifegiving environment that brings hope to your life!
When encouragement takes place people feel included and a sense of belonging.
Have you ever asked yourself what makes encouraging people so attractive? Why do people gravitate towards them and not the life sucking ones?
See, encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope. As important as giving someone hope, pointing them to where you find that hope is even more important.
Encouragement is more than just giving someone a ra-ramoment like when we cheer our favorite teams! When we encourage someone we are giving them the hope of Christ! Our words should bring them closer to God. It's about setting the captives free.
God has anointed everyone of us to go out into this hurting world with our gifts and talents and share them with the broken hearted. To give someone a word ofencouragement is to add value to their lives.
Encouragement can spark a light in the darkest, loneliest of hearts. I think the reason we gravitate towards encouraging people is because they are irresistible, infectious you can't get enough of their love and out look on life. There is something that sparks when they speak, when they share and are present. Encouraging people are not selfish with their words, their main desire is to uplift you and call out your best. They are ok being second and their words are always covered with godliness. Their main focus is you and to love you!
When we are life giving we are pouring out into others God's love! We are being Jesus' hands and feet and giving others hope!
In 1Thessalonians 5:11 We hear Paul commending these believers "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."
I want to encourage each one of us today to take the next steps and encourage others, you never know the freedom you are bringing into someone's life by the words of encouragement you give them.
Be blessed!
