The Gift of Encouragement

Today a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported Dial Hope Financially. Several donors have generously offered to match all gifts through the end of the year.  No limit on the match!  If you are able to participate, please go to our website for donation opportunities: www.dialhope.org.

The Apostle Paul almost always began his letters with words of gratitude and encouragement. We read the refrains: I give thanks to God for you… Look at all God is doing for you and through you… You are chosen… You are loved.

It is interesting. In the early church, not only did the apostles write letters of encouragement, sometimes they actually sent people out for that very purpose. At the end of Ephesians, Paul writes, “…Tychicus will tell you everything. He is a dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, to let you know how we are, and to encourage your hearts.” In 1 Thessalonians, he writes, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith…”

But there’s more. We are also to encourage one another. In 1 Thessalonians (5:11), Paul goes on to write, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

Today, think about people in your life who could use a little encouragement—maybe someone who does a thankless job, maybe someone who has been feeling down. Find a way to encourage them. Let God use you even now to be a blessing.

Our prayer today was written by Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope. Let us pray:
God of love, flood our hearts and lives with the joy of your interior light, that we may be lighthouses to others. Through the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.