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

To Love Likewise

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NLT)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude, or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 14:4-5, VOICE)

 

In this season where love is celebrated and elevated, it is important to realize what love is and is not. God’s love is our ultimate example, be it in love between family, friends, or the one whom we have been given as our person with whom to share life. To love and be loved, we need to be patient and kind. We are not meant to be jealous, proud, nor rude. If we love others as ourselves, we will not be easily upset nor keep record of wrongs. Because God forgives us, we must forgive. Just as He loves, we need to do the same. While we were yet sinners, He chose to love us. Likewise, we are called to walk in love with those around us, even when they do not treat us the way we desire to be treated. Our patience and kindness are an avenue to express the very same love that we have been given, to those around us. May we ever choose to walk in His love, extending love, just as God loves each of us.

 

Love that is patient,

And kind to others;

Is like the Lord’s love,

For sisters, brothers.

True love is not rude,

Won’t seek its own way;

Instead love prefers,

To give good away.

Love will not record,

Wrongs that have been done;

But instead forgives,

By grace from the Son.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have shown us what love is and is not. Thank You that as we seek You, You provide patience and kindness and correct us when we get caught up in ourselves rather than preferring one another. Forgive us for the times that we have held onto the wrongs against us, or have chosen anything other than patience and kindness when that is what You call us to do. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would prefer one another in love, just as You love us. Show us how to be patient and kind, extend forgiveness and grace, and love as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for Your lavish love, and go forth and seek to love likewise. Amen.

 

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

 

Praise the Lord, for He has shown me the wonders of His unfailing love. – Psalm 31:21a