Encouragement - We all Need It

Uplifting Others results in the Uplifting of Ourselves. Practice it daily. Not only, will it bring others peace of mind, it will grant you a sense of joyous fulfillment. I’d like to share a few simple ways I’ve found to achieve this sense of well-being. I’ve begun a letter-writing campaign to thank Christian music artists for their inspiration. In addition, I’ve contacted various pastors and charitable organizations to thank them for their godly efforts. No doubt these organizations and individuals are encountering the same types of discouragement we experience when under spiritual attack. I’m sure its harder to deal with these issues when you’re in the public eye and are being viewed under a microscopic lens. I, myself, welcome personal notes and find them heart-felt. Website contact forms seem sterile to me. I place “forever love stamps” on the cards’ envelopes.

I’ve also bought a notebook within which I record inspirational biblical verse. I group these verses by categories; worry, fear, joy, gratitude and so on. This practice helps me to remember verse and grounds me. It would be a source of instant comfort (along with a physical Bible) should something cause the internet to fail.

Take the time to pause and talk with people. This seems like an easy one right? Not so easy when we consider the fact that we are caught up in our everyday “to-do” lists. We rush through our days, barely looking at one another. Take a breather…Yesterday, I mentioned to a sales girl that I was a Christian and looking for stationary with which to thank others. What started out as a simple inquiry, led to much more. She shared how much her young son was enjoying postcards sent to him by a Christian organization (she didn’t specify which). I told her how happy it made me to hear that.

We are the hands and heart of Christ in a world becoming increasingly more wicked each day. Let’s be creative in spreading The Gospel. It should be an enjoyable activity. Should end-times messages be conveyed? Absolutely. However, people need hope more than ever. Not everyone is a seasoned Evangelist. Nor may that be their calling. The Body of Christ has many laborers, each with their own special gifts. Let us each put our special talents to use and be a blessing to others:

1 Corinthians 12:25-31 KJV

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

-Melanie DiLeo