Cultivating KindnessShembull

POUR OUT COURAGE

The word encourage comes from the Greek word parakaleo. The word simply means “one called alongside to help.” When a husband opens the car door for his wife, that’s parakaleo. When somebody is carrying a package that is obviously too heavy, and you offer to help, that’s parakaleo. When someone is weeping, and you wrap your arms around them, that’s parakaleo. In John 14:16, Jesus called the Holy Spirit our Comforter, or One who brings parakaleo.

There are times in everyone’s life when we need a God we can see and touch. And the way God does that is through the body of caring believers. Like cheerleaders at a football game, sometimes our job is to clap, jump, and yell encouragement for someone who needs it. The game, so to speak, could have seemed over quarters ago. But when we have the Holy Spirit on our side, we have what we need to keep hope alive. How are you coming alongside others to help? Keep your eyes open today; maybe God will put someone in your path who needs parakaleo.

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.

JOHN 14:16

Encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.

HEBREWS 10:25 NLT

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

PSALM 27:14

God, help me to be the encourager that You have called me to be. May I reflect You in the way I come alongside others.