Sæktu forritiðA Time to Keep Silent and a Time to SpeakSýnishorn
Speak words of encouragement
“Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
In Romans 12, Paul lists some gifts of grace. Each believer is given different gifts by the Holy Spirit, and we may use these for the good of the church as a whole. In addition to prophesying, teaching and leading, Paul also lists “encouraging” or “exhorting” as such a valuable gift.
In the book of Acts, we regularly read how people went on journeys to encourage fellow believers. We also read how these encouragements were a great source of joy for the recipients. That is quite understandable. After all, being a Christian is not always easy, especially in a society that is hostile to God or in difficult circumstances such as illness, unemployment, mourning or poverty. How we could use an arm around our shoulders and a few words of encouragement!
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul mentions a great source of encouragement that we as believers may keep reminding each other of. One day Jesus will return and then all believers may be with Him forever. That is a great prospect that can give us strength to persevere when we are struggling!
How do you encourage others? Could you remind them of God's wonderful promises?
About this Plan
“If speaking is silver, then listening is gold” is an old Turkish proverb. There is a lot of truth in that. But sometimes it is important to speak up. This reading plan discusses various Bible texts that teach you when to speak and when to remain silent, and help you to choose your words wisely.
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