Encouragement
by Faye Schmidt
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But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13).
Read Hebrews 3:12–19
The crossword clue is often ‘urge’ or ‘egg on’, and the solution: ‘encourage’. The most frequent use of encouraging words seems to be in the sporting world – even down to the Aussie word ‘barracking’. However, when cheering for our favourite football team, the outcome of the game is what matters, not any outcome of the individual players – it is not personal.
Under Christ, it is different. The phrase ‘encourage one another’ is used frequently in the epistles. Encouraging one another in our faith is an integral part of the Christian life. It emphasises that we are part of a community. Encouragement is not something one can do for oneself – it is done with and for another.
To struggle with our faith is normal. There are times when we want to cry out, ‘Lord, if some are gifted with faith that can move mountains, why do I have the faith of the mustard seed?’ And at other times, we also identify with the man who said to Jesus, ‘Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief’.
Therefore, it should be natural for us to be aware that everyone needs to hear words of encouragement from us at some time. Because we cannot see into the hearts and minds of our family and neighbours, we don’t need to know of any particular concern or event that warrants such encouragement. It is never wasted.
It is through encouragement that we build each other up in the faith, and thus build up the church.
‘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).
Dear Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit to awaken me to be aware of when I can serve you by being a source of encouragement to a sister or brother in their faith. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She has a heart for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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