"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Cor 5:17
So New Creature, a few weeks ago we mentioned that God prompts us to grow in prayer, worship, instruction, and encouragement. That refers to being with people as well as by yourself; and we looked at prayer, worship, and instruction. Now let us do the same with the last area on the list… Encouragement.
What is Encouragement?
The act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive. (Source: 1828 Webster’s Online Dictionary)
How does God encourage us? Well, He gave us His Word…the entire Bible is full of encouragement. He gave us His Mother…she is always praying for us. He gave us His angels…they are always guarding us. He gave us His Saints…they are always interceding for us. And while we are still here on earth, we are to encourage one another in our walk with Him.
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." Do you realize that this blog is an encouragement to you? When we speak or write in words that build up, motivate, and inspire those around us, we are encouraging them.
Hebrews 3:13 "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." This verse makes me think that each day we awake should be a day to encourage someone.
Try every day to find someone to encourage: either in your family, your work, your school, or wherever you are. A few simple words of encouragement may be the difference between life and death spiritually, physically or both. How many of us have had unkind words, mean words, said to us only once, for instance: "You are stupid," or "I hate you," that have left a scar on our hearts and souls, and maybe our bodies. Jesus held the importance of words out of our mouths to high standard when He said, "But I tell you this that you must give an account on judgement day for every careless word you speak!" (Matthew 12:36) So be alert and aware and ask God to place an angel at your tongue so that you may always speak with truth, love, and encouragement.
Remember that Fortnight For Freedom, which began June 21st, will end on our Nation's Birthday, July 4th. Please pray every day during this period of time set aside by our Bishops. The Rosary each day is a good way to pray!
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