How do we “be love” through encouraging others?

With words: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV (“these words” are words about Christ’s return).

As part of corporate worship: “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged.” 1 Corinthians 14:31 ESV

With Scripture: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6 ESV

 – Bonus! The God of encouragement leads us to unity in Christ

Why? Because people need encouragement.

The fainthearted: “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV

In the truth of Christ: “That their hearts, may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ” Colossians 2:2 ESV

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Reality check

What’s our motive for encouraging others?

If my desire to encourage others is authentic, then it’s not all about me.

What are my motives in serving, in actions, in thoughts?

•  “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV
• “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Let’s ask ourselves:

Do I seek and pray for opportunities to be used by God as an encourager?

Do I follow the subtle ( and sometimes not so subtle) push to say something, send a text or a card?

Am I intentional about encouraging others?

Do I look for the fainthearted?

Do I allow myself to be loved through encouragement?