Encouraged

Did Jesus have encouragers or was his crowd full of distracters and naysayers? Most likely Mary and Joseph encouraged him, and perhaps even his cousins Elizabeth, Zachariah and John the Baptist.

His hometown folks of Nazareth weren’t much use. (See Mark 6)

His disciples occasionally encouraged him when they weren’t distracted by their own desires or opinions. John and James argued about who should get to sit at his right hand. (Mark 10)

Peter promised a faithfulness he couldn’t keep. (Mark 16, Matthew 26)

Even John the Baptist doubted for a bit. (Luke 7)

We are often these things to our friends as well. Encouraging one thing and discouraging in the next breath. The Bible says:

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.(Hebrews 3:13, NIV)

Friends, encouragement is a big job. Are you up for it?

Prayer-Lord, we strive for full restoration, and encouragement so as to be of one mind and live in peace, holding onto the promise that your will love us and be our God of peace. Amen (From 2 Corinthians 12:11).