Encourage?...We have an example...

Good Morning,

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Ephesians 6:22 (NIV)
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NIV)
Therefore encourage each other with these words.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Titus 2:15 (NIV)
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Recently, we discussed "encouragement" and "encouragement" in a message. Today, I received a short message which gives a wonderful example of what encouragement looks like and what can happen when we take the instruction to be an encourager to heart. I thought that we could all benefit from reading about this subject from someone's experience. So, here's what I received...

There are many ways to bring the presence of Christ to our workplaces, and encouraging our fellow employees is one most often available to us.

Tom works for a local credit union. One of his favorite leadership techniques is "management by walking around". He makes a point of visiting with his co-workers each day, fostering a trusting relationship and looking after their welfare. Tom says he has learned not only to maintain an open-door policy, but an open-heart policy. He has been fortunate to have had several employees come to his office to talk when a crisis has occurred in their lives.

One of his employees, Kim, approached him in tears one afternoon. After taking a good deal of time to calm her down, she finally confided that she was facing an unplanned pregnancy that was creating a strain within her family. Tom and a couple of co-workers rallied to her support that day and throughout a difficult pregnancy. Today, they all laugh and watch joyfully when Kim's four year-old daughter comes into the office for a visit.

Another employee, Anne, became distraught over all the evil she saw in the world and observed, "It's hard to have hope." Tom showed her a letter he had just received from a prisoner he had been visiting through a prison ministry program. The prisoner stated that although he had been locked up for six years and had not seen his children in a long time, he had found peace in prayer and daily Bible study. As Anne read the letter, her disposition changed completely. She said it was remarkable to see that someone in that situation could be so upbeat. Tom used the opportunity to encourage Anne and to urge her to show her Christian faith in action.

Saint Paul uses the word "encourage" more than a dozen times in his letters to the early Christians. Encouraging people in times of crisis or need is being Christ to them-just like Tom.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Is there someone in your workplace who is experiencing a difficult situation? How can you encourage this person? (Thanks to the folks at Faith and Work Life for this)

I believe that sometimes we need to see an example of something before it really takes permanent residence in our hearts and minds. That's why I've forwarded this along. You see, our encouragement doesn't necessarily have to be ONLY between ourselves and other believers. Just think of how important this "encouragement" thing can be in the life (lives) of someone who doesn't know the Lord, yet can experience His love from one of us. As the author points out, this...encouragement...is a real and substantial way that we can show the love of God.

Thought we all ought to know.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David