Encouragement

Today I was reminded, by God, of what a true blessing encouragement from fellow believers can be.  We walk this life God has called us to, but as we all know, it can be difficult.  We face trials daily, we are continually tempted to stray from the path, and it can be hard to stay on track with what the Lord is calling us to do.  


Knowing this, I find it so very important to encourage our fellow believers.  We all go through similar struggles, and it is important to share in them, as well as our successes.  Encouraging someone can be as simple as sending a text, sharing a verse, giving a hug, lending a hand, or just letting someone know you care and are praying for them.  These things sound so minor, but when experienced, can be just the thing we need to stay on track and deter us from doing something we will later regret.


In John 13, God calls us to love one another as He has loved us.  I believe that this love we share with one another, goes hand in hand with encouraging each other.  If we love as we are called, then we are also called to encourage our fellow believers in their walk with the Lord, to keep them on track, to hold them accountable, to recognize their successes and help them work out the faults, and expect the same from them in return.  We are human, we are imperfect, and we are hopeless without Christ, but with Him we have the power of His perfect and redeeming love and mercy on our side.  If we are living, breathing, lights for Christ, then we must be there to encourage, and ignite the lights of others on a daily basis. 


Verse:


"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
~John 13:34-35


Go out and encourage others.  We are not meant to live this life alone, but rather in fellowship with Christ and other believers.  We are called to love, to encourage, and to ignite the flame inside each other in order to grow closer and delve deeper into the perfect love of Christ.  You are not alone, and no one should feel that way.  We have Christ, and as Christians we need to be a physical representation of Christ so that no one will feel that way.  Be like Jesus, spread the love, spread His word, and spread encouragement.