“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Phil. 2:1,2
Devotional Thought For The Day
I am feeling so greatly encouraged this morning. As you are aware, we are working with people in Lyons, Colorado, and in the mountain communities of Jamestown and Four Mile Canyon. People are still really hurting in these communities, from the flood of three months ago. For many, the flood could have happened five days ago. The water has receded, but not much else has changed for them personally. Yes, there is temporary water, sewer, electrical, and gas service for most [no water for Jamestown], but homes are still destroyed or damaged, and those who have repaired homes now struggle with the drainage of funds required out of pocket to make their homes liveable.
We have tried to provide encouragement for these folks – with gift cards, holiday meals, food pantry supplies, our presence, words of comfort, assurances of God’s presence and love, and with a grant application to help with some of their expenses. Last night I received word that our first large grant request had been approved – much reduced, but still very significant. This will provide people in Lyons with a much needed shot of encouragement – and it has also provided me with a great deal of encouragement for the help we are trying to supply. The grant provides “comfort from love” and assurance of “participation in the Spirit” and is a concrete expression of “affection and sympathy.” It is part of the encouragement in Christ, demonstration of the reality and power of His love at work in the hearts and minds of His dear people.
There is of course much greater “encouragement” in Christ Himself – the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing away of our sin and guilt, of peace with God, of eternal life and salvation in the bliss of heaven, the presence of His Holy Spirit, a renewal of heart, mind, and life, His presence with us, His guarantee that He is working all things together for our greatest good, that even aging and death will yield to resurrection and perfect restoration of health and well-being. It is this encouragement of God’s all-encompassing love for us in Christ Jesus that compels our love, affection, compassion, sympathy, and joy – in the unity of God’s Spirit and His Word. But we are also privileged to provide encouragement to one another in Christ, through our love, mercy, compassion, and support. And it is quite encouraging, thanks and praise be to God!
Do not sell yourselves short in this matter of encouragement! We cannot always support others materially and financially, but it is very inexpensive and easy to encourage with our words, our prayers, and our presence. And sometimes even a small gift makes a huge difference. Sometimes just a word makes a huge difference. As we have received great encouragement from Christ, so it is our privilege to bring encouragement to others. The greatest encouragement we can provide is to connect people with Christ and His love, that they have His direct encouragement through faith. It is also our privilege to conduit His encouragement through our acts of kindness and care for others. It is important too, as I have experienced just lately, for us to encourage other “encouragers” – with Christ’s love.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, You know how important encouragement is to Your people, those being renewed in love but still living in this world which is under the condemnation of our sin. Keep us firm in faith, and growing in faith, that we always have Your encouragement. Grant us encouragement from others as well, from Your people. Help us then to complete Your love for all people with the encouragement that we are able to give to others – both in our words and our deeds. Amen.