It had been a long, hard day and by now the toll of it was beginning to show on my face. I tried to hide it but my silence said more than I was willing. I figured if I didn’t say anything, she wouldn’t notice. I was deep in the battle and worse for the wear. I wasn’t ready to talk and I certainly wouldn’t know where to start.
We need support
Satan loves when we walk around feeling discouraged. He knows that we need the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us stay faithful. So he would do whatever it takes to see to it that we stay isolated. He’d love to have us think that we can go it alone.
The truth is there’s no such thing as a ‘lone-ranger Christian’. When troubles come we need others who will encourage us and help lift our spirits. As a matter of fact, it is the encouragement we receive from others that often empowers us to stay in the fight.
Tweet ThisSo the question is, how can we encourage one another?
What practical things can we do to stay in the battle?
How can we help others fight the good fight?
I don’t pretend to have all the answers but I know the Bible urges us to encourage one another.
I’m sharing my thoughts on how we can encourage one another over on Ginger Harrington’s blog. I’d love if you would follow me there and read the rest of this post.
And while you’re there, take some time to look around Ginger’s site. She has a great heart for encouraging others and I believe you’ll be blessed by her words. Plus you can check out some other ‘one-another’ posts on her site.
What about you?
How do you encourage others?
How does the encouragement you receive from others help you stay in the fight?
I’ll meet you over on Ginger’s Corner to continue the discussion.
Wishing you blessings!
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I learned just this weekend that to “encourage” someone literally means “to infuse with courage.” I appreciated this fresh perspective – too often, I limit encouragement to compliments and cheerfulness. But it goes so much deeper than that! Thank you for linking up with us at Grace & Truth!
You’re so right, Jennifer. If we stop and think, “how can I put courage in someone today?” we will be so much more deliberate in our actions. The compliments and smiles are nice, of course, but we sure can use a big dose of courage now and again!
Thanks for visiting from Grace & Truth!
Thank you for encouraging me to encourage. One way I do (but far too infrequently these days) is to send short little notes. Especially these days where electronic messaging and emails are about the only way some communicate, an old fashioned note card can make someone smile!
Great post! I have often thought that supporting each other is half the reason we even HAVE churches. Ideally, your church should be a community where everyone can give and receive help of all different kinds, at different times of their lives.
Marva this is fabulous! I know that there have been some times in my life where the encouragement of others was one of the big contributors to helping me move forward. We really do need one another!
Powerful words, Marva. You’re absolutely right, kind words can win a battle and for others to rise, sometimes they need a bit of encouragement. It’s so true–strength can come from within and from external forces as well. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring read with us on #shinebloghop this week. So glad you were able to join us again 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Maria. This has been another great week on #shinebloghop. I’m so grateful for the role that you, Jennifer and Tiffany in encouraging others. You bless so many, including me!
Such a great post, Marva! You are such a wonderful encourager so I know these tips are tried and true! I had just used my salt and pepper shakers tonight and smiled big. I’m still so thrilled and thankful I was able to meet you in person! When I tell my story, I always say, and she was exactly as sparkly and beautiful as she is on her blog!
Hugs,
Lori
Oh you’re making me blush, Lori! 🙂 Meeting you in person was definitely the highlight of my blogging career. It still feels like a dream but what stays with me are your warmth, your welcoming personality and your big faith. You are such an inspiration to me! Sending you a big hug!!!
Loved this post! I have been feeling very convicted to reach out more and be encouraging, and also to be more sincere in my encouragement. What a wonderful post this was to help nudge me along!
Thank you so much, Kori. I’m so pleased that God ised this post to give you a little nudge. We’re in this together. We all need to encourage and be encouraged. It often starts with a willing heart and you’re already there!
Hey Marva, thanks for these words! We do need to remember to encourage one another. I have some very close friends who never even let me know when they’re struggling. So now I struggle with them shutting me out and isolating themselves. I’m not sure what to do about that. But you’re right, “no man is an island.” Thank you!
I encourage my friends by just telling them to have an awesome day and that they CAN do this. I also ask how I can pray for them.
Those are great ways to encourage your friends, Jessica. Sometimes a kind word is all it takes to turn a bad day around. And praying for your friends is one of the best gifts you can give them.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh Marva. This is just what I needed! I’ve been feeling like I need someone to be that friend for me in the last week, but I really should reach out and be a friend to those around me first! You are a blessing, dear lady. Thank you! 💜
Hi Stefani, I wish I could be there and give you a big hug in person. Sometimes life really beats us up and it’s so tempting to want to have our needs met first. Interestingly, I’ve found that when I choose to be a friend, God makes sure that my needs are met too. I pray that as you give your heart to others, God will surround you with the love and support that you need at just the right time.
Thanks for being such a dear friend!
What a good word, Marva!
Aren’t you glad we don’t have to go through this adventure alone! Grateful for friends like you!
I’m sharing this one all around today!
Absolutely adore the tweetable quote! I’ll be sharing it.
Yes! Just yesterday I was impressed with the truth of the healing power of cup of tea and a few minutes with a friend!
Couldn’t help but read the rest of the post -and it was fantastic! What a great reminder of what we CAN do – when we so often feel like there is no way to help.
Thank you, Heather. Your sweet comment just made my day. What an encouraging spirit you have! 🙂
Marva – thanks for sharing today at Holly’s #TestimonyTuesday. I will definitely hop over to Gingers to finish reading. Encouragement is so very important and I absolutely love the scripture you used – the end says it all – as long as it is called today! yep, pretty much means encourage all the time. Many blessings to you.
Thanks for stopping by Debbie. Don’t you just love when Scripture is so clear? God doesn’t leave us guessing with this one – “as long as it is called TODAY”. Let’s be a blessing to others, my friend!