"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Like the apostle Paul, we should strive to be encouragers. He who makes it harder for a brother to live nobly and do his work well, has sinned against one of Christ's little ones.
We dare not go about among our fellows saying discouraging things, dispiriting things--for if we do, we are imperiling those whose burdens are already as heavy as they can bear. One disheartening word may cause them to weaken and sink down in despair.
The law of love bids us bear one another's burdens, and there is no other way in which we can do this so effectively, as by living a life of joy. He who goes among men throughout the day with glad heart and cheerful face, speaking some encouraging words to everyone he meets, saying something uplifting in every ear--is a wonderful inspirer of strength, courage, and hope, in others. His is a divine ministry of good to others. He makes every one a little braver and stronger. Weary plodders pluck up fresh energy after meeting him. Fainting ones awake to new courage when his hopeful words have fallen upon their ears. The influence of such a habitual encourager never can be measured!
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)
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