Be an Encourager. All of us need encouragement – especially these days.

Somebody to believe in us.

To reassure and reinforce us.

To help us pick up the pieces and go on.

To provide us with increased determination and resolve in spite of the odds.

When you stop to analyse the concept ‘encourage’ it takes on new meaning. It’s the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, spirit and hope. When we encourage others, we spur them on, we stimulate and affirm them.

Most of us need massive doses of it as we slug it out in the trenches.

But we are usually too proud to admit it. Unfortunately, this pride is as prevalent among members of God’s family as it is on the streets of the world.

The beautiful part about encouragement is this: Anybody can do it. You do not need any formal training. You don’t need money to carry it out. You don’t even need to be a certain age.

In fact, some of the most encouraging actions or words I’ve received have come from my own children at a time when my heart was heavy.

They saw the need moved right in. They ‘came alongside and helped’.

You too can be an encourager. So why not ring, email – or even be slightly old fashioned – and write to someone. Perhaps thanking them for something they have done, for the encouragement they are to you, for that kind word or gesture.

‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing’. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Blessings.

Pastor Martyn