So many letters and emails I receive are about the "battle" each woman is experiencing. Sometimes it is a marriage problem, being overwhelmed with little ones, an anger issue, a stray child, exhaustion, inadequacy. We all have one life in which to stay strong in our story of faith. Today is our opportunity to show our faith in Christ by how we live each moment--to love as He loved, to speak words of life instead of killing those in our pathway with our words, to give generously of ourselves as He gave daily. Yet, this life of extending ourselves can become very draining. How to keep going? Encouragement! Help from others. I keep going in our ministry and traveling because Clay and I feel that we need to be a voice of encouragement, inspiration, strengthening to stay strong in a world that doesn't have our values or spiritual foundations. To give courage--to help someone be faithful because they feel their life matters---that is the basis of encouragement.
Yet, Clay and I keep going because of the encouragement we receive from those who take time to speak words of strength into our own lives.
I thought I would list a few verses that specifically remind us of the importance of encouraging and giving strength to those in our lives--our husbands, children, friends, family. So take initiative to encourage loved ones in your life today--and those who you know need those words of life!
Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:11
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.
1 Thessalonians 3:2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
We must consider, think about, ponder, take initiative as to how we might stimulate our beloved to love and good deeds.
As God always initiated His love, we are made in His image to be givers and initiators. You can make a difference today. Blessings of His grace to you today.