Spur One Another On
Today I taught 1 Thessalonians in Randy’s class. I was struck again by the vital nature of encouragement.
Paul established the church in Thessalonica on his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 17). He left under the pressure of persecution. As he reflected on his ministry there, he described it as that of an encouraging father.
Before long, Paul found himself in Athens but couldn’t stand not knowing how the young group of believers in Macedonia was, so he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to encourage them.
Now, as he writes 1 Thessalonians from Corinth, he told them to encourage each other (4:18; 5:11).
What would happen to a church if the people there devoted themselves to encouragement? What if we learned in the assemblies how to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24f)? What if we found ways through notes, emails, text messages, calls, etc., to build each other up through the week?
If you know a great encourager in your life, tell us about him or her. What do they do that blesses others?
There is a guy at the church where Chemaine grew up, and we went for years, named Greg Douglas. He remembers EVERYONE’s birthday and sends a thoughtful, personal card every year. It is a simple gesture, but shows a real commitment to people by showing that he really cares. I have always been impressed with this effort from Greg, who really reflects the love of Christ in his life.
this blog is a good example
you are…
Amen to that thought. Encouragement is a talent that is often unnoticed until one is in great need of it. Being a machtembela(old women) allows me to say almost anything. I have been the one encouraged so much, especially in 2008 when Don faced cancer. We lived on notes, emails, visits, cards and hugs. One which stood out was our precious friend, Wanda. While we struggled with treatment and fear, she often sought us out at church and gave us hugs and in her simple language of love, lifted us up in prayer. Her prayers used simple words but had such clarity and with the absolute assurance in her belief of God’s ability and willingness to heal us. We have had other prayers and words of encouragement and we are grateful. However, none could be any more heartfelt or with a tender spirit. Which just goes to show how God uses all of us who love him, despite handicaps, to encourage each other. Maybe it really is about Him and not us.
My friend, Marsha White, sends cards and emails of encouragement to so many, even while she has been taking care of her father who has been under Hospice care. I was staying with a sick friend during the day to help care for her and Marsha left a meal on my doorstep. She always does a little extra. It means so much. If we all were like her, WOW it would change our churches! I am encouraged to try!
At the risk of embarrassing him, our minister is one of the most encouraging folks I know. He never forgets a name. Really! He always, ALWAYS has something encouraging and positive to say. I’m going thru a job transition now and his e-mails, invitations to lunch. pats on the back at church, etc. are incredibly encouraging. He would downplay all of that, and as I said he would be embarrassed. But, my sreflections and my story could be repeated with every person in our congregation, as well as in our coummnity at large.
at port city i would have to say dollee is the most encouraging one there. her husband bill is just a tad behind her, but dollee it truly the front runner in that couple.
portcitycoc.org
“What if we learned in the assemblies how to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24f)?” That is a great question. An equally great question is to ask: what if we learned how TO BE spured on to love and good deeds by one another?
Sometimes we keep looking for a sign of encouragment and all the while, we fail notice what is already there.
Grace and peace,
Rex
Go Spur(s) Go!
I believe affirmation and encouragement hold great power. There is just not enough of it. People feel significant and special when their giftedness and character are praised. I will encourage people until the day I die.
When I read your post, the first person that came to my mind was Lauren Cunningham. Whether in person or thru her messages on Facebook, she speaks words of encouragement and love to so many people. (It’s just bad timing on my part that her comment is right above mine!)
Mark Twain once said he could live two weeks on one good compliment. So, whoever “makes my day” is my greatest encourager for that day.
John & Evelyn Willis
Thanks for this Mike! I have decided that this will be my goal for Lent this year. Hopefully, it will extend beyond Easter, but I am going to make encouragement my focus. I know a a bunch of people who could always use a little bit more encouragement!
Wow! Just one? How about a group of about 200 called Faith Seekers, all of them in my Sunday morning class!!
Individuals would be Sylvia, dear friend in San Diego, Mary C. here at Highland, Monnie and Jerry, Janey & Rinn as has been said, our sweet Wanda and my beloved, long-term friends that brought me to Abilene, Clay and Beve.
There are really too many to list – the list would of course, include you, my dear pastor/teacher/preacher/friend, so many on this board, the 39ers, and my family!! And not to omit my LORD, who comforts and encourages me on days like today – a day following the death of two beloved friends, on here at Highland, Rosie – and one in San Diego, David. It is the LORD that comforts my heart today, and there could not have been any better timing of your thoughts than today. Bless you!
My wife and I were in the Fort Lauderdale airport last Saturday. When we sat down, we could hear a man on his cell phone behind us. He was encouraging someone and telling them how much he loved them, how special they were, and how it was just great knowing someone like them. He hung up, called another person, and had basically the same message for them. When our plane was called an hour later, he was still calling one person after another just to tell them how wonderful they were and what an honor it was knowing someone special like them. It was amazing. He was sincere, kind, and detailed in his praise of each one. My wife said she wanted to clone him. I said I wanted to BE him.
I’m with you, Debbie: Lauren. Along with Wanda and many, many others.
A congregation full of love and encouragement for one another, and actually practicing it through cards, emails, calls, etc.? There is your outreach program!! You want growth for the kingdom of God and for your congregation? Do the above with sincerity and passion. Neighbors and friends will desperately want what you have, and you will want them to have it, too. You will have more than just an invitation to church for them. You will have a plea for them to come share in a life-changing experience!
Your wife has been a huge encouragement to me over the years. I could name so many others. Dickie’s birthday phone calls, Mitzi Adams as she checks up on me here in Salvador and so many others. I love to watch Lauren’s comments pop up on my Facebook newsfeed. Even when they’re not written to me, I am still encouraged by the way she lifts people up. Thanks for this reminder, Mike!
Hey, this is your “nephew-in-law” (I think that would be my correct status). Just wanted to say that Randy’s preaching was well-received as usual here at OCC. It was nice to have him here in SW MO to share his gifts. Oh, and…”Hey!”
As many have already commented about their situations, I, too, am blessed to have many in my life who have the ministry of encouragement. One of them is a regular visitor to your blog, David Underwood.
Mike,
May I encourage you to go back and read I Corinthians 14 to be reminded how much the assembly itself should have the PRIMARY function of ENCOURAGEMENT!!