Passage of the Day:
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 15:1-6.
Reflection:
There was a common saying that parents in Delaware taught their children when I was growing up. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!” The point of this expression was to focus on the positive aspects in the lives of a family member or neighbor. Near the end of his letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul brings up circumstances that Christians may find themselves in. Rather than treat new Christians like a Pharisee, magnifying all of their flaws, Paul calls Roman Christians to build up one another in an encouraging manner. Most people don’t respond well to criticism. However, when people are affirmed in an uplifting manner, these spoken words can make their day or start to turn around a bad week.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:
Encouragement is often conceived within someone’s perspective on life. If you see a glass that is half-empty but look at it as a blessing to be half-full, you are on the right track toward becoming an encouraging person. Unfortunately, the root of bitterness described in Hebrews 12:15 has a way of corrupting your soul. If you surround yourself with negative or sarcastic people, Psalm 1:1-2, you’ll eventually become negative and or sarcastic. While changing bad habits can be extremely difficult, start by asking yourself, “am I building others up or tearing them down?” This subtle thought may stop you from trashing others and trigger ways to start to build others up with encouragement.
Song of the Day:
The attached song is about a conversation that many people who live in large cities avoid each day, passing buy homeless standing at a busy intersection, begging for money. If Christians develop encouragement, they will begin to look for ways to help people like the child in the lyrics of Two Pennies. May today’s blog serve as a building block for encouragement.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 