Although I rarely turn on the TV before heading out for church on Sunday mornings, today I did. Scrolling through the usual news channels, I realized I’d already heard it all, over and over again.
I came close to turning it off but I’m glad I didn’t because with a few clicks I came across a program with well known Bible teacher, Dr. Charles Stanley. My time was limited but in those few minutes I listened I was reminded of one of the primary responsibilities of believers in Christ … and, no, it isn’t to proclaim the perils of hell to “sinners,”nor is it to point out all the foibles of fellow (all genders included) Christians. Rather, it’s about encouraging, supporting and lifting up each other.
Merriam-Webster dictionary gives a number of definition options but here’s the one that caught my attention and my heart: “something that makes someone more determined, hopeful or confident.” Aha, I thought to myself, I can’t think of anything more powerful or needed than to deliberately cheer and gladden the heart of someone. We only see the external; God wants to use each of us to minister to the pain or sorrow that others often hide.
Because I’ve often been the recipient of encouragement over the years, I’ve made it a habit to try to regularly pass some on. Here are a few suggestions: take a baking treat to your emergency/police headquarters (a dozen doughnuts from Timmies once a month always goes over well); write a note of thanks to local government for their service (you don’t have to agree with all their decisions) and, don’t forget to thank your pastor for the work that goes into his or her weekly sermons.
“…therefore comfort each other and edify one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
PS: A warm and genuine smile also counts.
