Encourage one another

The messengers were sent off and went to Antioch, where they gathered the whole group of believers and gave them the letter. When the people read it, they were filled with joy by the message of encouragement. Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, spoke a long time with them, giving them courage and strength. (verses 30-32)

Read Acts 15:22-35

Our family has a letter that’s been handed down from generation to generation. It was written to our great-grandfather by his brother. The brother had been informed that our great-grandfather had lost his faith after coming to Australia, due to the hardships that he faced in his new land. It’s a letter full of encouragement and love, urging him to remain faithful to his Lord. The letter was well received, even though the information that prompted its writing was untrue. It continues to be passed on from one generation to the next.

Not long ago I came across a similar incident where brother had written to brother out of concern for his spiritual wellbeing.

Paul and Silas sent two of their Christian friends to Antioch to encourage the small group of believers there in their life in Jesus. It was a case of Christian brothers caring for Christian brothers and sisters who had strayed, pointing them back to Jesus and encouraging them in their walk with him.

Can you think of someone you might be able to help like this?

Lord Jesus, help me to love others enough that I want to see them in heaven too. Help me to encourage them to come to you, and make me more like you. Amen.

by Len Tscharke, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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