“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”
Following His Lead Will Never Let You Down
Encouraging one another doesn’t sound so hard. A fist bump here, an ‘atta girl’ there. A quick text to say “Hang in there, you can do this!” A hug when you see a friend in person.
Encouraging one another sounds pretty easy . . . until you realize it’s not.
What happens when she gets the opportunity that passed you by? What about when your co-worker gets the credit for a job well done that couldn’t have happened without you? When that mom in your moms’ group has everything already figured out? When it’s a weary looking shopper in the cereal aisle at the grocery? When it’s your spouse as you meet to unravel a financial mess you *may* attribute to their bookkeeping? When it’s another family member, and you worry about embarrassing yourself or them?
Encouragement sounds simple, but if our own emotions get in the way, it can actually be rather difficult to “encourage one another and build each other up.” She doesn’t need me to tell her she’s doing a good job, she must know already. I don’t even know that lady — she’ll think I’m kooky. Don’t we want to be encouraged? Don’t we deserve to be built up by another?
We do. You do. But the Lord doesn’t give us a free pass to withhold encouragement because of jealousy or fear.
He does ask us to speak life into the hearts of the people in our lives no matter what, because that’s what He does for us.
I know it can be hard. I know that for many reasons, you may not always feel like building someone else up. Encouraging, uplifting words don’t always come naturally, and there can be a fear of those words — of our hearts — being rejected.
Anytime we put our hearts on the line, we take a leap of faith. But in the leaping, we allow the Lord to hold our hand.
Offer the encouraging word nearly spilling from your lips, held back only by fear. Grab the hand of God and let Him guide you — following His lead will never let you down. Encourage one another and build each other up. Simple — and sometimes difficult — as that.
How — who — can you boldly encourage and build up this week?
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Anna,
Thank you so much for the reminder that we ought not to let anything hold us back from encouraging others. I know when others have encouraged me, I have always felt appreciative. I don’t know a heart that couldn’t use some encouraging, but yet we hold back. Joining with you in leaping forward with encouraging words and actions. Have a blessed Sunday!
Bev xx
Anna R. says
Bev, you are one of the most encouraging women I know. Thank you for your ever present words of affirmation in this space. I hope you had a beautiful Sunday!
Guest says
Would you ladies mind to please pray for a few unspoken requests? Thank you so much
Mariana says
Yes. I am praying.
Guest says
Thank you Mariana! I appreciate your prayers.
Beth Williams says
Guest,
Father God,
Please be with Guest today. She has some unspoken requests that you know about. Give her the peace and contentment that only comes from you! Shower her with the blessings that she needs!
AMEN!!
Blessings 🙂
Guest says
Thank you Beth, I appreciate your prayers!
Anna R. says
Praying, sister.
An says
Anna, I praise the Lord and thank you for this beautiful posting today. May each of us offer encouraging, Holy Spirit guided words today from our hearts that positively build each other up in Christ’s truth and love 🙂 Please pray for me today 🙂
Mwihaki says
Hi ladies please pray that I complete my PhD by August this week.
Guest says
Just prayed for your studies Mwihaki 😉
Anna R. says
Amen.
Whispered a prayer for you too, An.
Beth Williams says
Anna,
Everyone needs to be encouraged in some form. I try to say thank you to the cashier or compliment someone on a nice outfit! Lately some friends have been having aging parent issues. Since we are all going through the same thing I encourage & pray for them. I also offer some advice & hugs!! Life is tough and we need to let each other know we have their backs!
Blessings 🙂
Barbara says
Just wanted to let everyone know I am praying for their requests! Blessings to everyone and Happy Lord’s Day!
Anna R. says
You bet – we all need encouragement! Thanks for sharing your encouraging heart here, Beth 🙂
Lou says
Please pray for this health issue that has gotten me down. Also, for being able to conceive a healthy baby. We have been struggling to start a family, I think in part d/t work stress. Please pray for work, as it the stress of it has impacted me SO much. Thank you!!
Anna R. says
Lou, I have been there. Praying fervently for your health, your stress level, and the plans God has for your family. May peace be yours in spades, sister.