Words of LIFE...

How many times in your day do you receive a word of encouragement? How many times in your day are you looking to build someone up or encourage them? The choice is clear from the scriptures. We as the body of Christ have to choose to encourage one another. Yet so many times it seems the opposite. Why is that we focus on bringing one another down, or casting judgment on a brother? Why is that we are lacking the very thing that brings life and purpose for another? In short, we have lost our sense of identity. We no longer believe that we are royal sons and daughters in a kingdom not built by human hands. We have lost our way because we are acting as orphans and not true sons. Sons understand that they belong and are a vital part of the Father's plan. Therefore they choose to speak life always into another fellow brother or sister. I love the books of Thessalonians. They are filled with words to encourage one another.

Paul said,"we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:12

"Therefore encourage one another with these words..." 1 Thessalonians 4:18

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15

I would rather speak one word of encouragement than 100 words that are high and lofty but only beat the air. I would rather through my actions show another that they are loved than simply stating the obvious by lengthy sermons. It doesn't take much, but it takes everything sometimes when you yourself have not been encouraged to try and give courage to another. We must drink deep of intimacy with Jesus. Only by abiding in the lamb will we find out identity as sons and daughters and will we operate out of love and compassion.

Go and use your words carefully. Speak life and not death. You are called to greatness, and those around you will be better for the words you speak to them.