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marbella3 70F
2483 posts
2/17/2019 5:43 am
Atmosphere of Encouragement

Bible in a Year:

Leviticus 21–22; Matthew 28
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Romans 15:2

Romans 15:1-7
I’m encouraged every time I visit the fitness center near our house. In that busy place, I’m surrounded by others who are striving to improve their physical health and strength. Posted signs remind us not to judge each other, but words and actions that reveal support for others’ conditioning efforts are always welcomed.

What a great picture of how things should look in the spiritual realm of life! Those of us who are striving to “get in shape” spiritually, to grow in our faith, can sometimes feel as if we don’t belong because we’re not as spiritually fit—as mature in our walk with Jesus—as someone else.

Paul gave us this short, direct suggestion: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). And to the believers in Rome he wrote: “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2). Recognizing that our Father is so lovingly gracious with us, let’s show God’s grace to others with encouraging words and actions.

As we “accept one another” (v. 7), let’s entrust our spiritual growth to God—to the work of His Spirit. And while we daily seek to follow Him, may we create an atmosphere of encouragement for our brothers and sisters in Jesus as they also seek to grow in their faith.

Today's Reflection
Lord, help me today to encourage others along the way. Guide me to say what will not discourage but will spur them toward a deeper walk with You in Your love.


MrsJoe 76F
17367 posts
2/17/2019 8:42 am

There are so many ways to encourage others in our journey..... it's definitely a hand UP not a hand OUT. Sadly, there are many today who want the latter, not the first because they don't want to put out the effort on their own.
Sorry for making such a discouraging comment on a blog about encouragement.


Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.