Monday, May 9, 2016
Yesterday was Mothers Day and I hope all our moms had a blessed and happy day. I mentioned some phrases Friday that have often been attributed to mothers. Here is one more: “If you don’t have anything nice to say about others, don’t say anything at all.” Because it is such an easy thing to do, I think we all get careless and violate this principle from time to time, especially when saying something negative about those who have earned their unpopularity. Though many don’t realize it, negative talk about any thing or person, will be of benefit to no one.
I was thinking of that this morning as I was reading in the 10th Chapter of the book of Hebrews and came again upon the 25th verse, a favorite of many pastors. They like it mostly because it addresses the issue of church attendance. However, what is equally important in this verse is that it reminds us about our need to encourage one another. The Good News Translation (GNT) of the verse, says it this way: “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” Most bible translations use the word “exhort” instead of “encourage” and although they are both correct, most people believe the word exhort means only to scold. The word which was used in the original manuscript is the Greek word parakaleo, whose meaning includes “comfort”, “console”and “strengthen.” We must conclude, therefore, that the verse speaks to us about the importance of encouraging and building others up especially because these times can discourage anyone.
Many sincere Christians begin their day looking for ways to do good things and touch people’s lives in a positive way. Here is one of the best ways: Lets see what we can do today to encourage, brighten, or build someone up. Give someone today a word of encouragement.
Memory verse for the week: (Matthew 14:27) “But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
