Serving Othersنموونە

The gift of encouragement

I’ve discovered that much of the key to achievement, progress and success in this life is encouragement. The child who receives much encouragement becomes an adult who thrives; the commitment in sports that receives encouragement produces an athlete; the business proposal that receives encouragement becomes a reality; the talent that receives encouragement can become a star.

In Romans 12:6–8, the Bible explicitly mentions ‘encouragement’ as a spiritual gift. Paul, writing to the Thessalonian church, urges believers to continuously encourage one another, emphasizing the importance of this practice for us as Christians.

Why is encouragement so important for Christians? True faith in Christ goes against our own human nature, and there will always be more ‘nay-sayers’ than believers, so we are constantly dealing with a barrage of discouragement in life. Encouragement strengthens faith, builds community, and promotes perseverance. It can come as easily as a word of affirmation, an act of kindness, a prayer, or the sharing of scripture. The gift of encouragement is of significant worth. The spiritual difference encouragement can make is the difference between thriving and dying.

Jesus encourages us in John 15:9, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love’. You are loved by our Lord. Take encouragement from His words. Soak in this encouragement and see how your heart will change. Encouragement is truly a gift and it’s a gift we all need. How can you give this gift today?

Written by QUYNH EASTMAN