D.L.

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Learn – Inspiration – Vision – Encounter

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always,” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-16 NIV11)

These words are written to empower one another. Paul was not always easy to get along with; we know this from the Book of Acts. However, what we cannot say is that he was not an encourager. He was. He saw gifting and potential in people, and even though he was sometimes harsh with some of his followers, elders, and co-workers, he was determined to seek to empower them.

It is part of the prophetic message of 1 Corinthians 14, which is to build up, strengthen, and encourage. So, when Paul urges us to encourage the disheartened and help the weak, he is thinking not only on a physical, emotional, or even spiritual level but also about the very essence of who these people are: identity.

We live in times where being discouraged and disheartened is very real for so many of us, and it is prompt and relevant to talk about it. I am glad that people are much more open to speaking of their struggles and challenges than before. We have become more aware and less judgmental about mental illness. Many of us can hide but can not hide for a lifetime, and we are not meant to, especially when we are on the other end of the stick. When we are the ones who are down, discouraged and emotionally wasted.

Paul had a great mentor. His name was Barnabas. He was a natural and, I believe, a spiritual encourager. He was able to listen and speak God’s truth to the very hearts of those whom he came into contact with.

So, what about us? I was recently feeling down and wanting to be on my own, which is not a bad idea. But God had another better idea and I came across someone who needed to be encouraged. I realized that I was responsible for speaking to this person with words I needed to hear myself saying. As I did, my outlook changed. I spoke not my words, but the words of who is the Great Shepherd.

Be encouraged.