Did you know there are spiritual gifts listed in
the Bible? The Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts to use for the common good of
the body of Christ and for others. You have at least one and God will use the
gifts within you to serve others. The gift of encouragement (or exhortation) is
one of these gifts. Often people with this gift can tell when someone is struggling
or discouraged. They have the ability to give words or actions of compassion
and hope.
Barnabus
had the gift of encouragement. In fact, his name means "son of encouragement." You can find him encouraging Paul in Acts 9 and John in Mark 1. People with this gift walk alongside the hurting and the weak with patience and the ability to listen.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had so that with one mind and one voice you may glority the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as, in fact, you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
With the mind of Christ we can see, hear and understand the needs of others. Have you thought about your spiritual giftedness? Maybe you are an encourager. Let's talk about the gifts of the Spirit this week as we continue to build each other up. We're in this together.
Two
are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor, if either
of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and
has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Dear Father,
We thank you for the encouragers in our midst.
Thank you for their willingness to walk alongside us when we are
hurting. You give us the gifts to use to build one another up. Show us how.
In Jesus name
Amen
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