To encourage others

F aith, according to the Holy Bible, “Is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen,” and, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)” (Hebrews 11:1, 6). Everyone has faith. We read, “…God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). What one does with his or her faith, is up to each person.

Sometimes our faith takes a beating in life. Health issues, divorce, financial issues, death, job stress, even church activities impacts our faith.

As I have grown older, I have thought about the people who have had a detrimental impact on my faith. I hold very dear those who have encouraged and strengthened me.

Now that I have entered my “senior” years, I still have goals to accomplish. One goal is to encourage young people. I do not want to be the one to throw water on their fire, diminish their dreams, or cut away their enthusiasm for life and goals. Just as importantly, I want to be present in their lives when things do not go so well. Failures, missteps, bad choices – I want to encourage others in their disappointments.

Joseph, in the Old Testament, experienced discouragement, ridicule and was the object of scorn from his family and others. I have often wondered how Joseph survived the ridicule, mistreatment, and discouragement in his young life. But Joseph survived, and oh how he thrived (Genesis, chapters 37-50).

The apostle Paul was an encourager to his young protégé Timothy. Paul’s letters to Timothy are deeply personal, intense, filled with godly wisdom, principles, warnings, directives, purpose, and encouragement. Soon, Paul would be gone and Timothy would continue with the work of the ministry having been strengthened and encouraged by an older Believer.

Barnabas, another apostle (not as well-known as Paul) was also an encourager. His name, Barnabas, translated means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37). In fact, it was Barnabas who connected with the recently saved Paul and introduced him to the other disciples (Acts 9:27). Without Barnabas standing by Pauls’ side and introducing him to the other disciples, Paul would have had a much more difficult time in the ministry. Barnabas distinguished himself by serving and encouraging others.

We each need encouragement. Christians should be the most positive and encouraging people, but we sure do not have that reputation. The Bible says, “Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Every morning you rise, be thankful and grateful.

Look for someone to encourage.

As Christians, our hope and encouragement comes from God, His Son Jesus, His Holy Spirit, the Holy Bible, and the Fellowship of Believers. We read, “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” (Romans 15:4). We take this encouragement and share it with others.

Are you an encourager or discourager to others?

Clayton P Adams, West Memphis, AR email: claytonpadamslll@gmail.com.

Clayton Adams