Encouragement? Don't give ME that!

September 02, 2003

Today was a hard day. I hardly did anything. Rather than stand strong, caring, and reliable (the way I'd like to be), I have been drifting along with good intentions but no action.

How can I encourage others to live a Christian life?
I can't even encourage myself!

Paul said few words on this topic in his letter to the Romans [7:15, NLT]:
"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it."

Paul persevered in spreading the gospel to the gentiles. He used even his feelings of inadequacy to encourage the church at Rome. Two thousand years later, our lives are completely different because of what he did.

Let's refuse to be limited by our feelings. Our encouragement can help people live a Christian life, so later they can encourage us. I'll encourage you, if you'll encourage me....