encouragement Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5

In music, harmony adds dimension and fullness to the melody. Its different parts work together to enhance the song, adding flavor and depth.

The same is true of the family of God. Individuals don’t do and say the same thing, but all of them work together, each using their unique gifts and abilities to bring depth and dimension to the ONE purpose.

And there’s the rub. Working together brings friction, conflict, and tension.

We all are familiar with this chafing, but often we fail to see the beauty that comes from the abrasiveness. It is in the friction where beauty is born.

Working together with other people who are broken and imperfect like us is God’s beautiful design.

We are like rocks in a stream: bouncing, rubbing, and polishing off each others rough edges.

So, let’s welcome the tension, open the door to conflict, and allow it to refine and perfect us.

If you find yourself in conflict with another follower of Jesus, don’t be surprised. Remember, we’re all still in the process of being perfected. Peter tells us, “And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.…” 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)

Know this: God wants to use this friction in your life to polish you into a beautiful living stone for all the world to see!

Heavenly Father, I know You designed family. It’s part of Your plan, but I confess there are times when I don’t like the pain that comes with it! I want to run and hide. I want to escape the hurt, throw it to the winds and be done with it. But teach me to STAY, to embrace the pain and see the beauty. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

You are an influencer!

Oh, the world may not follow your fashion sense or tweet your quotes – but in the circle of people you touch, you are an influencer.

In your home, at work, as you go about your business, even on the phone, you have opportunities to make a difference, to influence.

Our words, our tones, our attitudes impact how each encounter plays out through the entire week.

Kindness and courtesy are often overlooked in our busy interactions. Words can push down rather than pull upward even with those close to us. As we hurry to meet deadlines we forget that God actually warns us that in the hustle and bustle of the day our hearts can begin to get hard.

That’s why He tells us to encourage one another daily. It’s not merely a nice suggestion. The God of the Universe, who created us, knows we need each other more than we think. We all need the listening ear that shows care. We all need encouragement. And we need it to keep our hearts from becoming hard in this world of self -focus and “me first”.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3: 12 & 13

“O Lord… I don’t particularly look forward to some of the interactions in my week. Please help me to be willing to offer bits of encouragement as I go through my day. Help me hear beyond the words and listen to the hearts, even in the busy passing of information. And Lord, help me to see the encouragement You send my way too. Don’t let me overlook it or minimize it, but capture it and thank You for it. Use it to change my perspective this week as I choose to be an influencer for good. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Today put a higher value on encouragement. Take note of the words and the people who give you a push to something higher. Thank God for that spark of encouragement.

Then be intentional about offering encouragement too. Small acts of kindness can reap big results. You may not always know if you have helped to keep a heart from becoming hardened but the act of encouraging will also guard your own.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Living Stones

Working together with other people who are broken and imperfect like us is God’s beautiful design.

FURTHER READING

People!

You are an influencer!

Further Reading

Tag: <span>encouragement</span>

Living Stones

Working together with other people who are broken and imperfect like us is God’s beautiful design.

FURTHER READING

People!

You are an influencer!

Further Reading