Encouragement (05/02/2025)

Last evening, my husband and I went to the local high school for our grandson’s orchestra concert. He’s in the 7th grade, and he plays the bass. We had great seats. My oldest grandson and daughter had arrived early and saved them for us. As we settled in, I looked around at all the family and friends who had come out to encourage the youth in their effort. We all need encouragement.

The concert was a great success. The youth on violins, violas, cellos, bass, accompanied by their teacher on the piano, produced some wonderful music last evening. And I could tell by their faces that they were into what they were doing and they were enjoying it. And their faces lit up after each number when the audience responded with applause. We all appreciate encouragement.

As I took this in and watched both the youth with their music and the audience, I was struck by how little it takes to encourage another to take those risks, to stand up and do something to make a difference, to affirm another’s gift. I found myself during a lull in the activity asking the LORD to make me “an encourager” of others who are striving to live their potential, to contribute to our world. We have opportunities every day to encourage others through affirming word of support.

I thought of the other, too, of those who had quit because they received no encouragement, because they didn’t know that their efforts mattered, made a difference. It saddened me.

The LORD knew we’d need support. He promised us the Spirit. And the Spirit is with us to encourage us along the way, to gift us, to guide us, to strengthen us. Yet, Jesus also showed us that we are to be encourages, too. He sent the disciples out in twos knowing they’d need that companion for those times when encouragement and companionship were needed.

Let us take time to consider how well we are doing at encouraging others to use the gifts the LORD has given to them for the good and benefit of others. Let us commit to being encouragers, to offering words of support, to compliment others, to thank them for their efforts and work.

Sometimes, it is our gifts that are being called into play, but at other times it is the gifts of another. Let us be encouragers of others as they fully use their gifts for the benefit of others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.