Pastor's Ponderings, May 26, 2015

Don’t Forget To Encourage Others

I am once again preparing to “pace” a 3.1 mile race.  I will run at a certain pace and encourage those who are running with me.  I will let them know that they can do it if this senior citizen can do it!  This morning I continued my training, posted my results, and received support and encouragement from my family. 

It always feels great when getting positive support from others and it is a shame that we do not do more of it.   When others get promoted, get a nicer home, buy a better car, or are smiling more, do we congratulate them or are we angry because we are not the center of attention?

The Bible instructs us to encourage one and another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  This is very important because we all need lifting up in various areas of our lives from time to time.  For example, we may be strong in public speaking while a friend of ours is strong in providing mentoring.  We can support and help each other in our various weak areas.  The Bible says that our good words to our hearers are like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11)

This week, encourage someone and don’t be shocked when a great smile breaks forth from them and a joyful feeling breaks forth inside of you!

1 Thessalonians 5:11
New International Version (NIV)

11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Romans 15:1
New International Version (NIV)

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Proverbs 25:11

Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.