‘Encourage one another daily…’ (Hebrews 3:13)
Yesterday evening, at 8.00pm, millions of people throughout the land paused for a few minutes to come to their doors, windows and balconies to applaud the many thousands in our NHS and Care Service, who over the past weeks have tirelessly devoted themselves to helping and taking care of others who have become ill or are most at risk with this pandemic – and I know that many here in our own community took part in this.
In every walk of life encouraging others is important, especially so when we know they are going through difficult and testing times, as those we applauded last night undoubtedly are. From a Christian perspective the ultimate source of encouragement we can offer others comes of course from Jesus. When through our words and actions we seek to encourage others we should be looking to inspire them in mind, body and soul, to uplift and support them by what we say and do, and to remind them that they are not alone in their endeavours – that they are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. For that we need to lean on God ourselves, to allow His Holy Spirit to inspire us, that refreshed and empowered we can them share this blessing with others.
Lord, in Your power and strength, help me, where I can, encourage others by my words and actions, to the glory and honour of Your name. Amen