In a word: encouragement

Encouragement

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another….” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself…” Colossians 2:2


What if we considered this our life’s work? To encourage and build up one another?
What would friendship look like if this were it’s goal? or marriage, parenting, time spent with fellow workers, time spent in our neighborhoods, or with our church fellows?

The Greek word, parakaleo (Strong’s 3870 ) includes the concept of proximity. Calling someone to your side, for strengthening, encouragement, comfort, instruction etc.

Webster’s definition of encourage is worth meditating on…

encourage

Etymology: Middle English encoragen, from Middle French encoragier, from Old French, from en- corage courage1 : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : HEARTEN2 : to spur on : STIMULATE3 : to give help or patronage to : FOSTER- en·cour·ag·er nounthe synonyms ENCOURAGE, INSPIRIT, HEARTEN, EMBOLDEN mean to fill with courage or strength of purpose. ENCOURAGE suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency . INSPIRIT, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something . HEARTEN implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal . EMBOLDEN implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance .

I desire to live as an encourager. Will you also? I too, need life giving, courage building, heart strengthening, filling up.

In a word: kindness

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

The Greek word is chrestos. (Strong's 5543)
Fit- fit for use, useful, virtuous, good.
Manageable-mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard, sharp, bitter). of things: more pleasant, of people: kind, benevolent.

To be fit for God's use, to be virtuous, and good in His hand, we must be kind. We should be manageable by Him. We must be kind; mild, pleasant and benevolent toward people. Not harsh, sharp or bitter.

It sounds a bit old fashioned and un-American, but I think it’s time to seriously reconsider kindness as a lifestyle. To be vessels made useful.

Good Friday Stirs the Soul

If we stop to take the time, remembering the cross will first bring a soberness and a gratefulness to your soul. If you continue to linger you will find that the cross will sweeten your cup of difficulty, grief, weariness, regret, loneliness...
whatever it is you bear.
It was for the joy set before Him that Jesus endured the cross.
The joy of being your savior, your friend, your everything.
It was for the joy of presenting you, perfect, to the Father.
P E R F E C T.
Allow the cross to stir sweetness and completeness into your soul.
Your sorrow, your pain, your inadequacies your unworthiness...
were all completely, perfectly borne.
You’ve been redeemed, beloved.

Hebrews 12:2 * Philippians 1:6 * Colossians 1:22