5-04-2024 7:20pm

Strong spirits: courage!

Photo: rawpixel

Who is it that really encourages you? Who are you encouraging?

The ministry of encouragement is far more important than most of us realize. We all need to be encouraged, and we all need encouragement. Encouragement simply means to put courage in. I find when I encourage someone else, I get encouraged myself. Can you remember receiving an encouraging note or call? Wasn't it great to get that?

The Bible is full of admonitions to encourage one another. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrew 10:24,25)

As dark as the world is, we all need to find ways to "put courage" into others. Sometimes it's as simple as a smile, or saying "thanks!"

Think, "Who can I encourage today?"

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.