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Strengthen relationship by spreading encouragement to others

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated, Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, Acts 4:36

Are you an “encourager,” do you try to lift people up when they stumble on the pathway of life? Encouragement is something that we all need; so let’s be generous in giving it out to others. If you reap what you sow, then be sure to sow a good cover crop of consolation for when the winds of adversity blow hard against you.

The word “encouragement” in the New King James was “consolation” in the Old King James version. It meant: to comfort, to console or exhort someone. When you read through the New Testament, you find that Paul was a hard driving (getter done) type person who gave himself 125 percent to the task before him. On the other hand, Barnabas seemed to be easy going and not hard to get along with. Most of the time, I would rather be around those who are easy going, the kind that encourage you to excel rather than coerce and try to drive you like an animal.

I received a letter from an encourager the other day who lifted me up with his words; he also encouraged me with a financial gift (small seed) which I was not expecting. What a joy it was to read the words of affirmation, he then put weight behind those words when he gave of himself financially. The letter made me realize how much we need people (relationships) in life. Money is a necessity and does come in handy at times, but a true friend can be an encouragement.

I remember a nurse I had after my auto accident back in 2015. She came into my room on the second morning to inform me that she was back and would be there all day. Her loving attitude and kindness was better than any medicine they gave me. Although it has been over three years ago, I continue to pray for her and others that helped me every day.

Several years ago a widow lady asked me to cut some trees in her back yard and pay her for them; she was in need of money to pay her bills. When I gave her the check for the trees she began to cry; it was more than she needed or was expecting. She didn’t realize how much of an encouragement she was to me through her spirit of appreciation and thankfulness for the work I had done. See “Big Tree Falls Hard” on you-tube.

I also remember eating black diamond steak with two friends at a local restaurant, what a time we had! We told stories about our childhood and how chickens could run down a hill with their heads chopped off. I laughed till I almost cried. Memories of people, experiences, and relationships lift me up when I am down.

In Deuteronomy 3:28, the Lord says to Moses, “But command Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see.” Moses was commanded by God to be an encouragement to Joshua. That suggests to me that we all need a good dose of “being encouraged” once in a while.

Encourage someone today with a smile or by holding a door. Offer to take the shopping cart back for an elderly person. Show appreciation to someone for their honesty and hard work. Send a letter of encouragement with a small monetary gift (small seed) to a person today. Call somebody on the phone and let them know you are thinking about them. Sow a good cover crop of encouragement; the coming winter of life may be hard and long.

Comments or questions, contact me at: thoughtsonword@gmail.com.

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