Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
—Philippians 2:1-4 NLT
I’ve received hope and comfort in Christ. Do I offer hope and comfort? The Holy Spirit encourages me. Do I encourage others? Am I sensitive to someone's hurt, or do I throw fuel on the fire of their pain with casual words? Do I put the needs of others before my own, or do I find a way to just do enough? In my words and my actions, I speak either encouragement or defeat to another person. I speak life or death to another heart.
His life in us is not about what we want or how we feel. It is about His grace flowing through us for the sake of others. His desire is for us to love others as He loves us—to tenderly and compassionately give ourselves away expecting nothing in return. Freely He gave. Freely we give. He desires for us to encourage and speak life to those trapped in despair and pain—to bless those who are beaten down from the struggles of life with the healing presence of His love.
Christ’s grace within us never holds back. But we must allow Him to flow in us. He reveals Himself and empowers us to encourage as He has encouraged us. His faith draws and calls us to action.
Do I allow His compassion to fill my heart for someone else? If His life is only about me, I offer nothing of value. If I want to experience His Kingdom—to see with His eyes, to hear with His ears, and to understand with His Spirit, I place a higher value on another life. I love with His love and encourage with His grace and truth.
May no masks veil my heart. May I bring Him joy by encouraging with the love and grace He has given me. I do not have to be perfect to give myself away. He floods my weakness with His strength and power. It is in giving that I receive more of His grace. And it is in receiving more grace that I am blessed to give again.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you.
—John 13:34 NKJV
© 2021 Lynn Lacher
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