Encourage One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly, and fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
Though there is some evidence that in general there is not more depression at this time of year than any other, there is certainly more stress and many find themselves dealing with more family history at this time of year than any other. Some have skeletons in the family closet, others are being reminded of family members who were here and well last year, and who aren’t now, some have to deal with split families and trying to make sure everyone has an equal share of the kids (grandkids).
Most of us have something that has the potential to make the holidays harder, some more than others. That makes it the perfect time to pull together as a Christian family, to strengthen and encourage one another, to lift one another up in prayer, to remind one another that we are part of a family, His family of believers.
Today I found myself short on sleep (thank you to my lovely kids who let me take TWO naps today) and a bit depressed as I, in looking for the Wilton Featherweight decorating bag that I KNEW I bought this summer, found a photo album into which I had placed some random pictures that were floating around. The album contained pictures taken of my grandfather right before he got sick, at my son and daughter’s birthday parties. Right after Rachel’s in January he went downhill and by April he was gone. I didn’t want to go on a crying spree (I don’t like crying) and was trying to keep my chin up when I received a lovely email from a fellow blogger. I broke down and had the best cry I have had in a long time. She was being so encouraging and uplifting in her words and in the little button she sent me to put on my blog. It went straight to my heart and was such a blessing to me. The Lord used her to get me where He wanted me so He could bring healing.
This Christmas season, look around you. Find someone to lift up and encourage (either here or in the “real” world). Take a moment to come along side a sister who is hurting, a friend who is struggling, a stranger who needs help. Show the world that Christ is still in Christmas regardless of what they call it.
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Lord, open my eyes to those who need a word of kindness, to those who hurt too much to speak, to those who need a helping hand. Lord, don’t allow me to withold help from one who needs it. Lord let me be an encouragement, shoulder to cry on, and an image of You to a hurting world.
Who do you know that needs a word of encouragement? Who has been an encouragement to you? How else might you encourage a fellow Christian this Christmas season?
Good verses. I never notices the second part of the first one- “so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceiptfulness.” Interesting. If we don’t encourage one another, we will be hardened by sin’t deceiptfulness. I wonder what that might look like? Maybe we’d begin to think we don’t need each other.
Good thoughts. I love visiting laced with grace for daily reminders from the Word. God bless!
I think that we can encourage many people through actions and through words. One thing that I have been ‘practicing’ over the last 6 years – stay away from gossip. If I hear someone gossip, I either walk away or I ask the person from where they have heard it from…I try to discourage gossip…
But I also think that we can just leave nice comments on peoples blogs – Christian or not…
Thank you for the reminder that we need to encourage people.
ahhhh, enCOURAGEment – how we all need it.
Thank you for the reminder!
I couldn’t access this post yesterday. I was just having a similar conversation with a fellow blogging friend in regards to understanding that for many Christmas is not all about wonderful traditions and lovely family memories…we must remember those that struggle deeply this time of year…always keep that in mind with every person you meet…we never know the full extent of the paths they journey on, yet all could use a smile, a healing pat on the back, or even so litle as a heartfelt..”thankyou for being patient with me as you check me quickly out of Walmart”. Thanks for helping to make other people aware of the incredible sadness that dominates this holiday season for many. I so love you mercy drop!!!
I am amazed how just at the exact moment, when I am struggling, God sends a person to encouragen and love on me. The Mercy Drop!
Love to you, Lynn