February 5

Encouragement

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith...If it is encouraging, let him encourage." Romans 12:6,8

I know of no more needed gift in this world that the gift of encouragement. Our lives are so fast-paced and full that weariness often abounds. We need a Barnabas to cheer us up and spur us on. Barnabas was known in the early church to be an encourager. He reached out to all and helped them to carry on despite the hardships in their lives. Are you a Barnabas? Maybe not. Maybe you don’t have that gift of encouragement like he did. Maybe that’s not your talent, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t give your brother a word of encouragement, an hour of your time, a hug of affirmation, a warm smile, a note in the mail, a word of compassion, a deed of kindness, a visit of mercy, or anything that will encourage and uplift. If the church were full of encouragers, think what an impact it would have! There must be someone you know, someone you love, who needs some encouragement today. They are discouraged. Discouraged people don’t need a critic. They are hurting enough already. They don’t need more guilt or distress. What they need is encouragement. They need a refuge from the storm they are in. Chuck Swindoll says that "every time we encourage someone, we give them a transfusion of courage." Courage to go on, to weather the storm, to be victorious. Reach out to someone today, and give them the gift of encouragement.

Father, help me to be a Barnabas. Let me be used of You to encourage someone who is hurting today. Help me to reach out as Jesus did to the hurting and give them the love and encouragement they need to go on. Give me the gift of encouragement that I might reach out in Your name and with Your love. Amen