Encouragement 101

Sunday May 20, 2012 – 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalms 97; Romans 1

S:  Romans 1:12 (Amp):  That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

O:  As believers when we share our faith and struggles with one another we are both encouraged and comforted.

A:  I love how that works.  Whether you are the one imparting encouragement or the one receiving it – when two believers get real and share their victories and struggles with one another both are encouraged and both of them are blessed with renewed faith.  We were created to be relational beings.  It was never God’s intent for us to live solitary lives but to live real and out loud – to share our hurts and disappointments; to share our struggles and our victories.  Not pretending allows other people around us to pray for and encourage us.  We ALL need to be encouraged.  Take a risk.  Get real.  Share with someone else what you are going through.  Seek out someone today who you think may need encouragement and be an encourager.   Take a risk.

P:  Father God I love that you made me to need other people.  I surrender myself completely to you.  I lay down anything like pride that tries to prevent me from letting anyone see my insides.  Lord let me be me today.  The real me.  No pretending.  Let me encourage those who come to me with their needs and Lord let me be open to receive the encouragement of others who you place in my path.    Amen.