Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

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Friday, October 21, 2011

day 124: What does it mean to be an encourager? (I)

1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

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I, honestly, didn't know until 2-3 days ago that encouraging people was a spiritual gift.  This blog is called, "Encourage 365" because I had it really deeply planted in my heart to encourage people every day.  Now--- I'm not sure if this is really meeting that.  I'm not sure if some of these posts are encouraging, but I do believe that I've written what God wanted. 

I found a checklist in my Bible of what is an encourager tonight when I was praying about what to write about.  Actually, I had this page dog-earred, but I had forgotten I had done it.

There are 16 points to being an encourager that are listed in the verses 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23. I'm going to talk about one verse a day for the next 13 day.  Over the next two weeks, we should know lots more about being an encourager.  I'm praying that this series helps you and me both.

Day 1:  Verse 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

The first part of this verse is about encouraging each other.  If people aren't encouraged, they get disgruntled or upset.  They think that what they are doing (whether a job, a project, or something for God) isn't doing enough.... or anything really.  They start getting down on themselves.  They could even want to give up.

We do NOT want that! 

Everyone needs an encouraging word from  ime to time.  Everyone needs to be told they are doing well... that they are following God.... or even that their hair looks nice (kinda different there, but the best way to raise a person's mood is to compliment them on something).

At school, I'm big on "Good job!"  "Way to go!"  and the kids favorite-- the "YOU USED THE POTTY IN THE POTTY!" dance.  (Yeap...)

The kids love it.

I dare say as we get older, we like the "Good job!" thing too.  However, when we get older, it is fewer and far between.

When you see someone working for God (and I'm not just talking about this blog lol... I'm not hinting for comments...), comment on it.  Tell them you see what they are doing and that you appreciate it.  We are human.  We need encouragement, or we get down on ourselves.

Our first point to remember for being an encourager is: Build Each Other up.

We should point out to others a quality or trait they have that you admire/appreciate/ or thank them for.  It would be nice if it was something internal (like their kindness or their ability to listen).

Encouraging words help so much, especially when you are running a figurative long race.  Your tired.  You want to quit.  But encouraging words from a friend (or maybe someone you don't even know) lifts you up and helps you keep going.

Tomorrow, we will talk about verse 5:12.  There is so much to learn about encouraging others in these verses. I can't wait to learn/write about them.

God Bless You,

Kelly









5 comments:

  1. 6 points to Being an Encourager--Love this, Kelly! What a great post! We are all so hungry for a word of encouragement. I am looking forward to reading the rest of your posts in this series.

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  2. I believe everyone needs to be encouraged. It's what keeps us going, fighting the good fight. We can hear God tell us well done, but it's also nice to hear it from fellow believers. This is great encouragement, Kelly! :)

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  3. Pam... it's 16 points lol. Its gonna be a long series (but I think it will be well worth it :) ) I'm looking forward to writing them :)

    Lisa, I do too. I believe everyone is down and sometimes we just need to be lifted up.

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  4. I like it. Just pulled this up by putting in What is an encourager? I hope you're still blogging. I have a similar mission! Blessings!

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