Encouragement

2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

I saw a cartoon that featured a little boy who was obviously discouraged. In the first frame, his mother is concerned about his sad countenance.

“What’s wrong?” his mother asks.

Without missing a beat, the young boy replies, “No one likes me.”

The next frame finds the mom reassuring her offspring. “That’s not true,” she says encouragingly. “I like you!”

In the final frame, the little boy looks up at his mom and responds, “Of course you do. That’s your job!”

I guess that is your job as a parent. You want to encourage your children and help them overcome adversity in every form. But the task of encouraging others isn’t limited to your relationship with your children. Imagine the state of our world if every believer made a conscious effort to encourage others.

Dear Lord, we want to be an encourager to the people in our family, in our church, in our neighborhood, and in the world beyond. Teach us to encourage others with our words and with our actions. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.