when he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to greece.
[acts 20:2]
paul’s teaching – a word of encouragement
doubtless paul said and taught many things in greece, but what the word records for it was that paul had given them much encouragement. how often would the things you say be characterized as encouragement? the deeper we get into relationship with people serving in the church and lost people in the world, the more we have to contend for hearts and confront sin and deal with the death and sin in our brothers and sisters’ hearts. but through it all, would people say you are an encourager? what would it look like for you to not ignore problems and sins in your fellow believers, but still primarily be an encourager?
Lord, satisfy us with your love through your presence; grow peace and thankfulness in our hearts for who you are and what you have done, so that as we labor, our lives may be defined as lives of encouragement. we cannot do this on our own; please help!
~ stephen hall