be an encourager

Today’s Encouragement 4/26/22

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“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).

Encouragement. Every single person on this planet needs encouragement. It not only makes us feel good to receive it, but it spurs us forward, gives us hope that we are accomplishing something, makes us feel part of something greater. It is free to give and free to receive, it can be simple or it can be extravagant. However, the best thing is this, too, is subject to Papa’s math. The more we encourage others, the more we are encouraged.

Today’s Scripture is most often used in the context of getting people to come to church, but I contend that it goes deeper than that. No matter where, when, or how we gather together, we are sharpening each other. My sword may have taken many dings in battle and you, in your love and encouragement, are the tool with which my sword is sharpened. And vice versa. We need each other.

Encouragement is also not only for when we are gathered together as believers, encouragement is also an evangelistic tool. We live in a fallen world where many people feel left out, forgotten, passed over, lonely, not worthy, etc.; yet, Papa sees every single one. We need to be discerning and listening to the Holy Spirit for words of encouragement to bring light and love into the darkness they often feel oppressed by. We should never save encouraging words for just our brethren, we must take them out of the vaults of our hearts and unbox them before the world.

Be an encourager.

Be An Encourager

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BE AN ENCOURAGER

You Can Do It!The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words (Proverbs 10:31-32 New Living Translation).

It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet (Proverbs 11:12).

The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray (Proverbs 12: 6, 18, 26).

There are times when we all pop off at the mouth and say some rather discouraging and ungodly things. In the heat of the moment, we often will answer without fully thinking our answer through. Depending on the subject, we have the ability to tear someone or something down just by our tone of voice. We must daily ask ourselves if we are going to be an encourager or a discourager. If we don’t have anything nice to say, then we shouldn’t say anything at all. When we speak to others, we should be quick to build them up. We should look for the positive in every situation and reveal it to them.

Too many times throughout my life I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth because I’ve been too quick to judge and respond, saying things I shouldn’t have said; not only to people but also behind their back. It’s easy to tear people down when they aren’t there to defend themselves, isn’t it? It’s also a runaway train once we allow it to get going. Well did James write when he said the tongue is a tiny spark that can set a great forest on fire! What’s the cure for our waggling tongues? By bringing them under the control of the Holy Spirit. Psalms 141:3 is a beautiful prayer to help us be encouraging and not pop off at the mouth, it says, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips (NKJV).”

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of this new day! Despite what happens, or what we face, we will trust and praise You! Father, we ask for you to set a guard over our mouths, to keep watch over the door of our lips; let no ungodly, discouraging or contentious word come from our mouths. Create in us clean hearts and renew steadfast spirits within us, so we may speak life to others. Reveal to us the positive and help us to avoid giving power to the negative. Father, we praise You and give You all our worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Attitude of Worship: You never know who you will meet today. Greet everyone with a smile and when someone comes to you seeking advice, or to share something with you, pray and think before you answer. Ask for an answer that will bring life and uplift the hearer of your word.

Shalom,

Prudence