Be an Encourager

September 11, 2015

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT

REFRESH OTHERS. Find a way to refresh other people, even when you are the one needing encouragement. When Titus visited the Apostle Paul, it created buoyancy and got oppression off of him: “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6). In the same way, God wants to use us to be comforters and encouragers.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

SPEAK LIFE. You don’t need to be superficial or speak platitudes, but treasure the Word that is in you and use it to inspire others (Proverbs 7:1). The devil works overtime to shut your mouth because your words have the potential to change someone’s eternal life. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:36-38

SHOW MERCY. Have you ever been so hurt you can’t forgive? It takes time sometimes. But God wants to help us land on the mercy side. If you get hardened toward others, remember that Jesus died for you. You deserved judgment but were forgiven the $80 billion debt, so you can have mercy on the lesser debt owed you (Matthew 18:21-35).

Scripture confessions for encouragement:
• As I refresh others I get refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).
• I take courage and have peace. In the world there is tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
• I am strong and courageous. The Lord my God is with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9).
• I hold fast the confession of my hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

en·cour·age, verb
To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope: hearten. To spur on. To give help.

Press on in love,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2015 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. “Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 01 September 2015.