Be An Encourager

Read: Romans 1:8-15

I long to see you, . . . that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. —Romans 1:11-12

Ron, a recent Bible-school graduate, had been a youth pastor for about 3 months. Some of the young people seemed to resent him, certain parents were beginning to criticize him, and he was getting discouraged. Then the chairman of the church board invited him to lunch. "Uh-oh," he said to his wife. "Here it comes."

At lunch the chairman looked him straight in the eye and said, "I hear that you are getting some flak. I want you to know that the board thinks you are doing a good job. True, nothing much is happening yet, but we are convinced that it will. You're doing exactly what we asked you to do. Just keep at it."

Ron walked out of that meeting with his head held high and his heart singing. He worked with renewed confidence, and soon the youth group began to grow numerically and spiritually.

Paul told the Roman believers that he wanted to see them so they could encourage each other (1:11-12). You and I know how helpful that can be. We all appreciate an arm around the shoulder or a kind word.

If you've received some unexpected encouragement today, thank God for it. And when the Holy Spirit leads you to encourage someone, go ahead and do it. Be an encourager. Both of you will be glad you did. —Dave Egner

The power in words can build up or tear down—
Create a big smile or produce a sad frown;
So in all your contacts with people each day,
Be sure to encourage in all that you say. —Fitzhugh

A spark of encouragement can rekindle warmth in the heart.

daily bread