A Word of Encouragement

It had been one of those days. One of those weeks, really. Nothing major happened, but a series of small discouragements and disappointments wore at me like sharp little pebbles in my shoe, wearing me down and causing me to limp. I woke up tired, and weariness marked my day.

I went to check the mail, and one little piece of paper changed my entire outlook. There in the mail was a cheery little card from a friend. She and I were in similar situations, and she more than anybody knew how I felt. Just seeing her curly-q handwriting lifted my spirit. The effect was multiplied when I actually open the envelope and saw the love that was embossed there with every word.

Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

We have been given to each other, members of one body to lift each other up, support each other and encourage each other. We have been bound together and gifted for the good of the one body. Like red blood cells that rush to the site of wound to cleanse it and begin the healing process, God gave us to each other for our cleansing and healing.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25

My friend didn’t know anything about my no-good week. She is by nature an encourager. Some of us have to work harder at it than others. But all of us can be an encouragement to someone. Jesus uses us to love each other, to stimulate each other to love and good works, and to embody his love to us. He encourages us through each other. Your arms are his arms around me.

How will you be an encourager today? It’s not hard to be an encourager, but it does take deliberation. If we are not purposeful, it won’t happen. We don’t need to wait to see someone who needs encouragement. My friend mailed a card without knowing what was going on in my life. Sometimes it’s just a smile in a check out line, or a bench shared in the park. Sometimes it’s a note, or a word that reminds someone that the sun is still shining on him. Maybe it’s a hug without an explanation, or a prayer sent over Facebook.

My friend is gifted in encouragement. I am not. But I am called to it. Jesus wants us to point each other to him, to lift each other before his throne and lay each other in his lap. You can be an encourager. Someone else may need you today. Step up!