A quick Google search on my iPhone gives me the meaning of en-cour-age-ment: The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. Don’t you just love modern technology? There was a day when the Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary lay with my Bible (American Standard) right next to my comfy chair. Today it’s my cell phone and laptop, however, a few real books and two or three versions of the Bible are there too…I am a creature of habit.
At first glance giving encouragement seems easy enough to do, and yet, maybe it is a task more complex than first thought. A simple well used question, “What would Jesus do now?” can encourage someone to take steps of faith. From these words emerges a simple prayer: “Lord, I’m going to need a bit of help here.” And from there, the gates open to Jerusalem. He is there in Scripture (John 12:12-15) and here in my heart and soul by way of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
To give encouragement Jesus calls us to sort out what is needed and what is within the scope of each of us to do…We each ask, “What and how can I extend a “palm branch” before my Beloved to make the path more clear, confident, hopeful?” In Christ, we meet with the intention of bringing encouragement to one another. We rely on our Lord to help us with His love and willingness by reasoning together with Him in finding that encouragement. (Isaiah 1:18).
My goodness, talk about a win-win!