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BE AN ENCOURAGER
This article was posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Philippians 2:25 NKJV- Epaphroditus, my… fellowworker… ministered to my need.”
William Barclay says, “It’s easy to laugh at ideals, pour cold water on enthusiasm and discourage others. The world’s full of such people. But we have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or appreciation or cheer has left a man on his feet. Blessed is the one who speaks such a word.”
Epaphroditus was commended by Paul as “my fellow worker”… who ministered to my need. What did Paul need? Encouragement! Imagine being remembered as the one who encouraged apostle Paul! Those with same spirit instinctively knows how to speak “the right word at the right time” (Proverbs 15:23 TM). They strengthen the discouraged and comfort the grieving. In fact, we look for them in times of crises because their very presence “lifts” us.
The Bible filled with such people. When Moses was overwhelmed, Jethro counseled and supported today to develop you into an encourager and support him (Exodus 18:1-27). When Paul was alone in prison, Epaphroditus jeopardized his own safety to visit and comfort him (Phillipians 2:25-30). Paul also found great strength in Timothy (2 Timothy 4:9), and later in John Mark (2Timothy 4:11). Every time he went through another trial, God surrounded Paul with people who provided practical help and spiritual sustenance just when he needed it most.
So ask God today to develop you into an encourager whose words and actions bring comfort to others. There is no greater calling!
(Rev. Rich Wilkerson)
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