1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
I have sometimes been called an exhorter. A person with the gift of exhortation is motivated to boost the spirits of people around them. Sometimes in our excitement to help people achieve their full potential we may seem pushy. My own daughter has sometimes called me Pastor Push!
I recall attending a football practice at a local high school. The coach was very passionate and exhorted his players to do their best. He divided his team and was having a scrimmage. A ball carrier was running down the field and his teammate was supposed to block for him. Instead he just watched as a defensive player made a tackle. The coach yelled at the player who had missed the block; “Son, if you can’t block for him, at least you should cheer for him!”
We all need to be aware that there are scores of people around us who need someone to cheer for them. The world is a dismal place at times and without someone to lift spirits it can seem unbearable. We do not have to be a great orator to exhort people. People need to know there is someone who knows they are there and cares! Let Jesus shine through from you to those around you!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil