As a child I grew up listening to a song by Steve Green. "Encourage One Another" was a delightful tune that my sisters and I would sing over and over again. However, at that time I did not realize that a kids song could apply so well to our daily lives.


There seems to be much negative talk about other people in the world around us. We seem to find excitement in laughing at others behind their back, talking people down, and picking at their faults. Why is this so easy? Why do I often catch myself laughing at a story that pokes fun at someone else?


Encouragement in the body of Christ is something that is often lacking, but is vital for a thriving assembly. 2 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."


Perhaps we could remove the focus off of what makes us feel good, and think of what the Lord Jesus would do. Romans 15:5 "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus."


Maybe there is more to this than words. Perhaps we should "speak" encouragement with our actions. Looking at Jesus we find Him unselfish with His time. He reached down and lifted people up out of their sad state. He spoke truth to the pharisees, but never with the wrong motives or heart.


If we spent more time finding ways to best help, love, and encourage others, there would be little time to tear them down. Let's continue to keep our eyes open for ways to build each other up.

We shall be like Him

I've just been thinking about how amazing our Lord is. If we have put our trust in the ultimate source of hope, then we have been saved from sin and God's wrath! What a really cool thing. To not have to be separated from God, but that I will get to SEE Him face to face. I will get to see the one who created me, who died for me, and who LOVES me like none other! I've just been thinking about how amazing it is, that God allows us to be like His Son, and although I am so far from being anything like Jesus 1 John 3:2 gives me hope. "We are certain that at his revelation we will be like him; for we will see him as he is." What a day of rejoicing that will be when we finally get to see...Jesus!