ALWAYS ENCOURAGING
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Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2
Many of us have the opportunity to gather in buildings dedicated to worship. Others will gather in the coldness of a prison cell or in a small, secret place, fearful of authorities. We need the fellowship of God’s people and the instruction of his Word. We need encouragement and the affirmation of belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
Mentors—those who guide others as they grow— are essential in the church, the family, and the workplace. They teach by word and example. As we journey in faith, an encouraging mentor makes all the difference. I still benefit today from being “shown the ropes” by someone who was skilled and committed.
Paul charged young Timothy to make the ministry of God’s Word his top priority. It wasn’t to be done just at opportune times, but at all times. It wasn’t to be so inoffensive as never to correct or rebuke. A surgeon uses an anesthetic but will also use a knife. Timothy was to correct, rebuke, and encourage. He was to do so with patience and accuracy, to encourage his listeners and warn them when they were tempted to follow false teachings.
People need God’s Word. People need encouragement. Knowing God’s Word, we share its teaching and affirmation. Like Timothy, preachers have no choice. And neither do we!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Help us to be encouraged by Christ’s example of encouraging. Thank you for mentors along the way. Amen.
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Father, thank you for those you have sent into my life to be generous in spirit, heart and knowledge. Lord, help me to encourage others and be a vessel for your love.
In the assurance of grace through Christ I pray,
Amen
My first day at work with a well known computer company in Silicon Valley is one that I will always remember. I was the low man on the totem pole. One coworker, named Alan greeted me enthusiastically. He showed me around the company and introduced me to many different people in our area. He became my mentor, showing me the ropes of how to do the jobs that I was assigned. He encouraged me when my boards were rejected and praised my work when they actually passed inspection. As Christians, we should look for opprotunities to mentor to others. It could be as simple as volunteering to work in the prison ministry, or as a ESL instructor to a group of church members where English is not their primary language. Be encouraged today and reap bountiful blessings by encouraging others. AMEN.
Thank God for another day. It takes humility to encourage others; especially when you’re higher than them in status. I always thank God for the humble people that I’ve met in life. Their humility is always an encouragement to me.