Encourage One Another
Clint Eastman (Massachusetts, USA)




TODAY'S READING
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Our encouragement can change a person’s life.


PRAYER FOCUS
Someone who needs encouragement




Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)


After I retired, I worked part-time at a hardware store. But I was surprised when the boss didn’t even talk to me! He never even gave me directions or assignments. Each day, I had to guess at what I was to do. I longed for some indication of how I was doing. I was hungry for encouragement, but it never came.

Finally, after several months, I asked him if he approved of my efforts. He laughed as if I should have known what he had been thinking. “You’re fantastic!” he said. “You’ve cleaned up the place nicely. Even the regional manager has noticed. And every time the delivery truck comes, you get the product out on the shelves on time.” I swelled with pride and a sense of accomplishment. I had finally gotten encouragement, but it was sad that I had to wait so long.

As Christians, we need to encourage others. Many people are desperate for attention; they may feel lonely, neglected, or unsuccessful. They may feel unloved and unwanted.

Why do we withhold our encouraging affirmation of others? It could be apathy, ignorance, or simply a lack of love. Whatever the reason, let’s break our habit of silence and pick up the habit of offering loving encouragement to others.

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TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to take advantage of opportunities to encourage others. Help us remember the gifts of encouragement we have received. Amen.