Encourage Each Other

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. – (1 Thessalonians 5:11, HCSB)

So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing. – (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ERV)

So support one another. Keep building each other up as you have been doing. – (1 Thessalonians 5:11, VOICE)

This makes all of the difference. When we surround ourselves with a community that invests in each other, we are mutually encouraged and built up. As this transpires, our faith grows stronger as we realize why God calls us to be in community. It is amazing how God grows our circle as we are willing to be available. Yesterday, as one of my dearest friend’s and I were running, we realized that we have been running together for more than eight years. Running together is not just getting out and moving, but it is and has always been a place to connect, converse, and talk about life and how to navigate well. Each time we meet to run, it is an opportunity to share life together and encourage one another. The benefits go beyond the physical gains in fitness, for our hearts, minds and spirits are uplifted by spending time together. The same can be said about time with my husband as we tackled the yard as a team. Neither of us expects the other to magically do things, rather we join together and tag team to get things done. Before bed, I was able to join a three-way call with my sister and mom, and again, connecting with each other is life-giving. Even early this morning, I found myself in a quick text exchange with my bestie, as we both expressed our excitement for the chance to get together this evening. Soon, I will be heading to church where there are more people whom God has placed in my life to be in relationship with. Though a simple and somewhat uneventful weekend, I am reminded again of the value of community. May we ever make the time to connect with those whom God has blessed us with, and encourage one another.

We all have been called,

To community;

To bless, encourage,

Invest faithfully.

It does not take much,

To reach out and care;

And as we do so,

Life is what we share.

So, choose to reach out,

Encourage, build up;

For as we do so,

It fills up our cup.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be in community. Thank You that You surround us with people who encourage us and we are able to encourage. Forgive us for the times that we have isolated ourselves when we were meant to reach out. Teach us to trust You to lead us to those whom we are meant to encourage and build up. Show us how to love those around us well, just as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our lives in community with each other and encourage and build each other up. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus. – Romans 15:5

Mutual Encouragement

People need people. We are called to encourage and walk beside one another in love. Paul was well aware of his purpose, and presented multiple reminders to people as he spoke and wrote letters to the various bodies of believers. In Romans 1:11-12, he states it this way: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

 

Just like Paul, we all have gifts to give, encouragement to offer, and benefits to receive, by being part of a body of believers. There is strength in numbers that is not found when one stands alone. Additionally, there is power and presence when we gather together, “For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them.” – (Matthew 18:20) Healing, freedom, hope, and help all rise up in the light of His presence. God imparts to human hearts, good gifts, when we gather together to encourage other believers and honor Him who grants us life.

 

May we invest well,

encourage others;

offer our gifts to

sisters and brothers.

As we give away,

so too we’ll receive;

blessings from the Lord,

strength to trust, believe.

Healing and wholeness,

freedom for the bound;

hope for the hopeless,

sweet safety surrounds.

Let’s be the body,

united as one;

love one another,

as loved by the Son.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be a body of believers together; investing in each other. Thank You that You created each of us with gifts to offer, and the ability to mutually encourage one another. Help us to learn and grow together, as we are in constant pursuit of You. Forgive us for doubting our capacity to contribute to the body, or for neglecting to encourage those we see in need. Help us to trust You in all things at all times, and to be completely dependant on You for the wisdom and the words, understanding that You will use what we offer when we are willing to step forward in faith. Teach us to love as You love us, and help many to find a forever faith in You. Be glorified in all that we say and do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23