encouraging

Barnabas was a the friend of Paul's who went on many missionary journeys with Paul. Barnabas' name means "son of encouragement." I can only imagine why Barnabas was considered such an epitome of encouragement.

One of the astounding things about my life these days is the lack of encouraging words people get these days. I tell people all the time that I believe in them - these aren't empty, social words; I really do believe in the people I tell this to. And lots of the time they tell me that I'm the only person who says that to them. And lots of the time, when I tell someone I'm proud of them, they can't handle it, because no one says that to them.

Wow

Are we that insensitive to other people, that we seldom simply state the obvious - that that person is someone of worth, that we trust them & believe in them, & that they live a quality of life that makes us proud of them?

Paul, writing his 1st letter the Thessolonica, gives s some handles on how to be encouraging to our friends, family, & the people who come thru our lives. Take a look...

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

(dan note: ok, here's the list)

12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.

And live peacefully with each other.

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy.

Encourage those who are timid.

Take tender care of those who are weak.

Be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

16 Always be joyful.

17 Never stop praying.

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

20 Do not scoff at prophecies,21 but test everything that is said.

Hold on to what is good.

22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

Hmmmmmmm...

That should keep us all busy for a few days, dontcha think?