Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Speaking of God!

Dear Friend,                                            

During a stressful time in the life of David, his friend, Jonathan, went to him in a place called Horesh to encourage him in God. I Samuel 23:16

Think of times you have talked with people who share your faith when they are need of a word of encouragement. Do you ever mention words of faith – such as Jesus, God, faith, hope, trust – in such ordinary conversation – to encourage them in God - whether you are on the phone, at a coffeeshop or simply sitting outside?

Some time ago, G. Campbell Morgan wrote: It has become very difficult for Christian people to talk of the things of Christ to each other. They meet together in ordinary life, and they talk of everything except the deepest things of their spiritual life; and that not because they have not deep experience, not because they are unfamiliar with the things of God and His Kingdom, but because they never learned how to help each other in mutual converse concerning them.[1]

Morgan’s point is that learning to encourage one another with words of faith is something we can learn to do.

We learn to talk by talking! If you would like to grow in your comfort in bringing words of faith into ordinary conversation, a simple, safe way to do it is to join a small group Bible study. You will find it a wonderful way to learn to speak of spiritual matters and to grow new friends as well!

Speaking of God in affirming, encouraging ways with our friends, our children and grandchildren and with others God puts into our lives is a wonderful way to build one another!

Joy to you - Stan

© Copyright 2021 E. Stanley Ott

[1]G. Campbell Morgan, The Acts Of The Apostles (New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1924)

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1. Can you think of a conversation in your life in which someone encouraged you by in some way mentioning the God who love you. What do you remember of what was said and how you responded.
2. Is there a "safe" person in your life - a friend, a grandchild, someone with whom you may introduce some words of encouragement about the Lord who loves them - and will you give it a try?

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