Devotions: Godly Encouragement

And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds… encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB

Encouragement is one of the most important ministries in which we can be employed. A person alone may forget God’s goodness and love in times of sorrow, His laws and justice in times of indulgence, or His mercy and grace in times of sin. It is easy to become so surrounded by our circumstances that we forget. That is why it is important to have other believers around to support and remind us. That is why we need to be supportive and encouraging to others in our turn. And all the more so because time is short, we never know when our last day will be. We should seriously, and regularly, consider how we can encourage others in their walk with God. The first step in that is prayer above all. How does God want us to reach others? Next, be a light, our words will mean nothing if we do not have the lifestyle to back it up. That is also the best way to encourage others to live godly lives, by being godly ourselves. In that respect, our actions speak much louder than our words. Our presence in another’s grief also speaks louder than our words however comforting. What words we do say, should always be positive. Condescension and condemnation only turn others away. We should bear the fruit of the Spirit in our words by speaking kindly, gently and lovingly in all things. So contemplate how to spur others on, but also contemplate what your walk is encouraging.