BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

As Christians we have a duty to encourage the saints of God,in many ways we are responsible one for another. While being and encouragement and lifting one another up we are giving glory and honor to God. We are more likely to leave an impact on someones life by showing them compassion, acceptance and love rather than belitteling them or making them feel unworthy of His prescence. This is a dangerous place to be in. The Bible tells us to "let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen".(Ephesians 4:29) As quickly as you can encourage, you can discourage someone in their walk with God. It is important that we not take this lightly. I believe God wants us to use wisdom when we speak, meaning your opinion is not always necessary to state. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). If an opinion is offensive or causes a spirit of strife of conflict them we should hold our tongue. Some times if we have an out spoken personality and we are known for voicing our opinions, we can use this as an excuse to disregard sensitivity of others feelings. Remember the Bible tells us if we offend a child of His, He would rather we have a mill stone tied around our necks and be cast into the sea! Well I think we are all aware of the size of a mill stone. This scripture reaffirms to me how strongly the Lord feels when a child of His is offended by another. One of the greatest attributes of a Christian is knowing when to speak and when not to speak! This takes constant prayer and binding of the tongue. "The tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21). I want to go before the Lord knowing that I have not knowingly set out to offend my brother with my words, but to lift and encourage my brother in their time of need. Our words are a testimony of the change God has made within us! Showing all the difference the Lord has made within us and being thankful for that great change; "be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Romans 8:29). We should surround ourselves with godly company, because this could only benefit us and our walk with God! Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). We should be encouraged by those that serve the Lord, and live by His ways. We should avoid those who stir up strife and who live a life of rebellion seeking after their own ways instead of the ways of God. I have learned this can be very dangerous for a Christan, we must separate ourselves from the world. We should love the lost with the love of Christ, we should not conform to their ways but encourage them to conform to His ways! There is a saying that I live by and have found to be very true, "you are as good as the company you keep". Most people tend to develop relationships based on their common interest. If you spend the majority of your time with a person who likes to gossip and is known for their gossiping nature, more than likely people will assume you must have the same gossiping spirit as the friend you spend so much time associating with. We must be careful that we surround ourselves with loving friends who bring out the best in us and in return we should seek to bring out the best in them! We must preserve a reputation of godliness, because we will be judged according to how we represent the Lord. The Lord has called us out amoung the world to give light through His word to all who are lost and in darkness! Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if any-thing is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Let us pray throughout our days for an attitude that is pleasing to God and a blessing to those around us!