“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– Romans 15:5,6
Did you know that encouragement is a real spiritual gift that we are instructed to practice in the book of Romans? The word encouragement means to give someone heart — en coeur. Coeur is a French word for the heart, and when you encourage others, you give a lift to someone who’s out of steam and not ready to go another day. You give them a little push. In Greek, the word for this spiritual gift is paraklesis. It means to call to one’s side. We put this into practice when someone is feeling beaten up, down, or discouraged; you come alongside them, you put your arm around them and you say, “You’ve got a friend in me. I’m gonna be by your side. You can do this. We can do this together.” Friend, when you put your arm around someone, and you convince them that it’s not over yet, you’re also convincing yourself it’s not over yet. All of your encouragement comes back to you! Even now, as I’m saying this, I’m feeling encouraged! Friend, what a gift it is to your neighbor when you encourage them. Tell your friends, “I’m so glad to see you and I missed you.” Let your spouse know, “I’m so glad I’m married to you and I’m so grateful to do life with you.” As you speak these loving words, your own life will be strengthened. The gift of encouragement has such a great personal benefit at such little cost. Why wouldn’t we do it, right? |
Prayer
Father, show me how to encourage those around me. Allow me to be a true friend and stand beside someone in need.
Reflection
When have you convinced and encouraged someone that life is not over yet ? How can you encourage someone today?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
4 Responses
I loved this devotional reminder from you today, Pastor Schuller. I now reside in a Senior residence facility, because we ARE seniors, our bodies, and sometimes minds, too, of course, aren’t what they used to be, and even though there are a goodly number of other Believers that live here, we face physical and/or mental/and emotional “challenges” every single day. I find opportunities for God to work through me every time I leave my “room”. Psalm 19;14
Philippians 5:8
Philippians 4:8
Thank you for this encouragement. You and your family are just amazing, and I am so grateful for your sermons. You really lift me up.
God Bless.