“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encouragers

Many years ago when we were working with hippies in Afghanistan, the Lord spoke to me about being “real.” I felt so out of place in working with these young people because I was so very different from them. I was so “clean cut”—and we were working with all these long-haired hippies. The Lord spoke very clearly to my heart and said that as long as I was real in being who I was, I would be accepted. I didn’t need to be like them. I just needed to be true to myself, to who God had made me to be. It was so freeing! And what He said was right—I was accepted and “fit” in because I was myself. It was a good life lesson. I have tried to live like that ever since.

In some of the updates when I have openly shared my needs, I’ve gotten some sad feedback. Several have written to say that when they’ve shared needs with other believers, they’ve been told they just need more faith—it’s their fault. No comfort, no understanding—just rebuke. I could understand because I’ve gotten rebukes like that in times past. In fact I got a horrible rebuke like that from someone I didn’t even know right after Floyd got sick. I’ve never been able to comprehend how loving Christians can respond in that way to one another.

One particular time when someone had rebuked me for sharing a need and said I should repent and have more faith…I felt the Lord reminded me of when Jesus was getting ready to face the cross. He was on earth in human form. He faced every need and temptation that we face. He cried out to the Father: “If possible, let this cup pass from me.” He knew what was coming. He knew how hard it was going to be. He was admitting His need. He didn’t hide it from the Father. His prayer showed His humanity, and, yes, His honesty. I thanked the Lord for this example of being “real” and of being open and honest.

When we’re going through a hard time, we don’t need people to correct us and tell us how bad we are—especially if we’ve been vulnerable in opening our hearts to them in our need. We need love, affirmation, encouragement, support, a kind word. We need more encouragers. The world has plenty of critics! In the midst of this hard season that we are all walking through may we look for ways to build one another up, help one another, and definitely pray for one another. Thank you for doing that for Floyd, for our family, and for me. I am truly eternally grateful!

A word of encouragement during a time of need or failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success! Let’s look for opportunities to share “a word of encouragement.”

Lord, help us to find fresh ways to encourage and build up one another. Amen.