Date: May 17, 2011 12:08 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Encourage One Another
Encourage One Another
"If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (ROMANS 12:8)
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-8
When I write or speak words of encouragement, I personally am performing a function for which I was created in Christ. I am, by God's design, an encourager. If I neglect to speak or write, I am depriving my fellow believers of some of the grace that God has placed in His church.
There are at least seven expressions of grace identified in Romans 12: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leading and mercy. These are all ways in which God reveals His love.
Paul speaks to his readers and us of offering ourselves as living sacrifices. The gifts with which we have been endowed are not to be kept to ourselves, but shared. We are actually giving something up. Yet how small our "sacrifice" is when we consider the immense surrender of Jesus Christ who gave His whole life for us. His sacrifice is the greatest plan for our lives; without it we wouldn't really have life at all. He came that we might have life, and have it to the full (see John 10:10). Now that's an encouragement!
Insight: Think about what God has uniquely gifted you with and share it with the Body of Christ and the world around you.
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