A few weeks ago we began with a look at II Timothy 4: 2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season: correct, rebuke, and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction”
As we continue on our journey to draw closer to God, let’s examine the word “Encourage”. Webster defines encourage as:”To inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence. 2. To stimulate by guidance, approval, etc 3.To promote or foster.
Applying Webster’s definitions to our faith, we realize what encouragement in faith looks like:
We are called to encourage or inspire with courage one another in our faith. This may mean dropping a note to someone whom you know is struggling. Maybe it is a simple “thank you” for a job well done- especially a job no one else wants. Maybe it is living out your faith through hardships, a definitive time for others to see what you really believe!
We are to help each other grow in our faith. We need to share with one another. Share in bible study and discussion, share in prayer, share in the daily grind of living for Christ. Most of us have fairly simple lives. (And it is a blessing!) We need to help those who are struggling or just offer encouragement to keep on keeping on- never give up doing what is right!
We are called to foster Christ-like characteristics in one another. As others seek counsel we need to pray with them, and offer sound advice as to what Christ would do. That is not always easy, the words not always heard. Yet if we are to help each other become more Christ-like, Christian, we must.
Let’s look at Biblical encouragement in action. In Acts 9 we find Saul (later to be called Paul), a righteous Jewish man, well versed in Jewish law, bound and determined to go find those “Followers of the Way” and persecute them. He was a passionate man, convinced those followers are disruptive and just plain wrong in their beliefs. While on the road to Damascus, he personally met Jesus. Saul realized that Christ truly is the Son of God, and underwent a transformation. His heart was softened. His resolve and passion ignited for Christ.
When he arrived in Jerusalem, on fire for teaching about Jesus, he had a problem: his reputation. The apostles were not ready to accept him. They still feared him, wondering if he was somehow scheming to identify and persecute them.
Our encourager entered: Barnabas. In Acts 11:24 Barnabas is described as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith”. In Acts 9:27, when Saul was not accepted, “Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”
Not only did Barnabas encourage Saul, he risked the tide of holy opinions turning against him as he defended Saul against their assumptions. Barnabas encouraged Saul just as Webster defined. Barnabas showed he believed in Saul, had confidence in Saul, that Saul’s conversion was sincere and his motives legitimate. His approval of Saul helped lead the apostles to accept him as one of them, a huge and necessary step for the ministry. Finally, Barnabas wanted to promote Jesus, and through his actions he did.
We often forget about encouraging others. We might think of something we should do: a note, a thank you, an invitation. But, if you are like me, you might become queen of the great intentions. Life gets in the way and we become consumed in our own lives.
We are all called to have the passion for Christ which Saul possessed. We are also each called to be a Barnabas, an encourager. An encourager is often behind the scenes, someone unseen, forgotten. Yet if you have ever been on the receiving end of encouragement, you never forget your cheerleaders!
Reflection: Who is someone close to me who needs my encouragement?
Who is someone I know in the community who could use a “Thank you” for some service he performs?
How can I make encouraging others a way of life?
Please return on Monday, January 30, Lord willing, for the next post.