Some noises are just irritating to our ears…fingernails on a chalkboard, piercing fire alarms, or the incessant high-pitched barks of a dog all seem to rub us the wrong way. So if I preach to you, but have no compassion…or exhort you, but have no empathy for your situation, I’m just like that annoying sound you quickly walk away from.
Tag: God
Micah 7:7 ” But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.”
The Lord is ever listening for you…He has His ears attuned to your voice. You will never have to question or wonder, for He will always hear you. He’s waiting to hear your voice today…call on His name.
Romans 16: 25 ” Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ…”
When someone hears and accepts the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the gift of salvation through Jesus, they are transformed. They are forever changed by the power of the Holy Spirit within, and established by God Himself eternally. But this can’t happen if they never hear the Gospel or the message of redemption…for that is our mission here on earth – to take the name of Jesus to the nations.
Luke 22:32 ” But I have prayed for you, Simon Peter, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus knew that Peter would betray Him. But He also knew that Peter would later seek forgiveness and restoration of their relationship…and in doing so, become a spiritually stronger man. Each one of us carry around times when we ourselves failed the Lord miserably, only to have Him mercifully forgive and restore us back to that right relationship with Him. Those failings have now become unique teaching opportunities in which we can build up and strengthen others we see wavering.
Hebrews 3:13 ” But exhort one another daily…”
There comes a time in a Believers life when we get lazy and apathetic about our Faith. We start thinking, “I’m saved, and that’s all that matters…” But the Lord doesn’t want us sitting back on our laurels, waiting to go to Heaven. We are to spur, implore, and occasionally give each other a pep talk to keep us all involved in the Lord’s work .
Colossians 3:16 ” Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”
Admonishment needs to be done carefully and only after you’ve gained the right to do so. When we see someone going down the wrong path, we want to warn them, to alert them to possible consequences. But more importantly, we need to show them ways of correction. Because, admonishment just for the sake of lam-blasting someone is wrong if we can’t supply practical, sound judgment … wise words of correction…and hope.
I Thessalonians 2:12 “…encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.”
Speaking comforting words to someone is much more than just consoling them with platitudes. Sometimes we need to be cheerleaders for God…reassuring and quieting fears – letting them know , “You can do this!” But also gently reminding them, that God is still in control and not to give up.
Acts 13: 15 ” Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.”
Paul and Barnabas had traveled to Pisidian Antioch and were in the Synagogue on the Sabbath when the Synagogue Leaders invited them to speak. The greatest words of encouragement you can give anyone is the Gospel message, and Paul did that, by telling them the Good News…that Jesus had died for their sins so they could have eternal life. To share the Gospel with others is the ultimate word of encouragement.
Acts 4:36 ” Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)…”
Barnabas not only had the spiritual gift of encouragement, but the nickname also. His mission and focus in life was to comfort and encourage others. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter…our Paraclete. Someone who comes up along side as a intercessor, advocate, encourager, and exhorter. To be a Barnabas, we need to be a Paraclete to others.
Romans 14:19 ” Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
To be an uplifting influence in a person’s life isn’t what the world wants to do. No, rather the world wants to degrade, defame, and depreciate. So as Believers, we have to take on the task ourselves…being the hands and feet of Jesus, we must take His example and become that positive uplifting influence to all around. The world tears people down…we must build them back up.
Safetypinlove 