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Pay It Forward
Paul’s talking here about the importance of the gathering of believers, and F.F. Bruce said that Paul focuses on encouragement because if people are encouraged they’ll be more likely to courageously confess their hope! I totally agree. I do some Public Relations work in Glasgow, handing out flyers, promoting DJ’s and whatnot, and when we don’t promote well, we get a walloping from our manager… But it seems when we are successful we barely get any feedback. A few weeks ago I got yelled at for there not being enough flyers in two specific pubs; but, in the shops, restaurants, and other pubs I had been assigned to- there were tons! I was so discouraged. All I could think during the rest of my shift was, “What about all the OTHER places though? All the restaurants I talked to so many people in? All the flyers I DID get out? Why is he not proud of that?” To be honest, that shift was one of the hardest I’ve worked to PR, I was really excited about it, and my boss’ immediate downplay of what I had put so much effort into deflated me completely, and made me think a lot about the power of encouragement.
I know this is a feeling shared by a lot of Jesus’ followers, and humanity. Everyone wants a little recognition and although as Christians we know our award is in Heaven, we are called on earth to be an inter-giving community of encouragement to each other. This is for the benefit of that person and for our own spiritual health- to keep us looking outside ourselves.
Why don’t we all try with baby steps- since this is so outside the comfort level of modern society!- why not try to say one sincerely good thing, or word of encouragement to one person per day, for a week? I’m going to try. Let’s build each other up- it’s all for God’s Kingdom after all, and how better to support a great King than to have his workers all truly looking out for and building each other up?
Fiona, I will definitely agree that encouragement is incredibly important. I realized growing up that I was more productive and more likely to get something done when I was encouraged and not harassed.
One interesting thing, is that this verse says “spur”. Spurring a horse is not a kind and polite way to get them to do something. It is however, very direct. So weather we encourage or dig in out heals, It seems important that we emphasis the need to spread the love of Christ through the things we do.
Rock On Fiona,
I know the power of encouragement and it doesn’t happen as often as it should in our community.
My best friends and family know a secret about me. They catch me often proclaiming to myself aloud “Good job Peter!” and this is because if I wait for somebody else to tell me that, I might be waiting for an eternity.
My prayer is that I can proclaim the same to others, in love and encourage them to do good.
SO ROCK ON EVERYONE especially this Faith in Action weekend.
Peter
Congrats Fiona on finishing and graduating. It is a wonderful feeling to be finished.
Positve encouraging people are fun to be around. They draw others to their cause. Can I point people to Christ by critizing or judging? I think not.
Another call to prayer today is the day Mary Calhoun will be induced. Please pray for the safe arrivial of thier new child. Thanks
I’m really struck by your example of your boss’s negative comment. Isn’t it terrible how negative comments get “burned” into our subconscious like bad tattoos? (Hah, had to use that one for you, Fiona!) We get far too little positive reinforcement in this world. Maybe we shouldn’ t need it, but since we do, I think God must have put that desire in us. So let’s dish out the encouragement and brotherly love with our biggest serving spoon today! (Oh, and honey, thanks for “outing” my chocolate proclivities–not!)
FionER! Thanks for your challenge to encourage. I couldn’t agree with you more. I know one’s temperment plays into this as well, but I’ve been a bit blue lately…and it’s amazing how God can use someone’s very simple, quick word of encouragement to snap me out all my blue “ME gazing”. So your words really resonnated with me my friend. Thanks.
And CONGRATS on your degree…your dad has forwarded me some of your papers – writing is certainly something you’re gifted at doing. I can’t believe it’s been 3 years. I have to say, I smiled a big smile the whole time I read your bio and your devotional – imagining it was you saying it directly to me – a million miles an hour, arms gesticulating, and eyes and face expressing! Hopefully you’ll grace us with a visit sometime soon. Take care my friend, Doug (Britt, AK, and MereBear)
Thanks for the encouraging words my dear daughter. It has been a joy over these last three years to encourage you in love and good deeds. The exciting part has been watching you respond so well to encouragement. You are a unique and wonderful work of God .I am so proud to be your dad.