1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
All of us need to feel the lift that we receive when someone encourages us. As a preacher, I have been encouraged by the expressions of affirmation when I share a truth.
Sometimes these affirmations may not be glowing comments of praise. It was over 50 years ago and I had been invited to preach at a small church not too far from our home. The pastor was a friend of ours (I am sure that was the only reason I had been invited to speak).
As I came into the church I noticed one of the most dynamic evangelists in our denomination was in the crowd. I have to confess that my delivery was not eloquent and I did a great deal of thrashing through my notes to make my points.
This precious evangelist was on crutches and after the service he laboriously made his way to speak with me. In a gentle and quiet voice he spoke in my ear; “Son, don’t get discouraged. I have found myself thrashing through those same bushes as I have preached. Just keep on telling about Jesus.” To me that was sincere encouragement. Have you taken the time recently to encourage someone?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil