"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." (I Thessalonians 5: 11)

Good things sometimes come in small packages. Medicine that helps us to live with certain conditions or diseases is often dispensed one pill at a time. Some of us learned as children that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". Others are familiar with the Chinese proverb that the longest journey begins with a single step. A new brick building is unveiled to onlookers one brick at a time.

Building the church of Jesus Christ unfolds in a similar way, but the materials are not pills or apples or steps or bricks. A key ingredient, though, is encouragement.

Encouragement is a gift. When we are told in the Bible to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, we are reminded that we all have been given different gifts. If one's gift is encouraging, "let him encourage" (Rom. 12: 8). Though some are especially gifted, the instruction to "encourage one another" written to the Thessalonians and again in the letter to the Hebrews is directed to all believers. We need to take note of the example of those who are especially gifted in encouraging others, and learn from them how to encourage others. Elders are to be examples. One of the consequences of requiring elders "to hold firmly to the trustworthy message" is that they will be able "to encourage others by sound doctrine." (Titus 1: 9). Primarily God encourages his people through one another.

When Paul wanted to encourage the Ephesians, he sent Tychicus: "I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you." (Eph. 6: 22) He does the same for the Colossians: "that he may encourage your hearts." (Col. 4: 8) When Paul couldn't go to see the Thessalonians, he wrote and told them that he had sent Timothy "to strengthen and encourage you in your faith." (I Thess. 3: 2). In giving counsel to Timothy concerning the conduct of his ministry, Paul wrote, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage." (II Tim. 4: 2)

Bad news needs to be accompanied by encouragement. When God forbade Moses to enter the promised land because of his sin, he said, "But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it." (Deut. 1: 38 and 3: 28). When David withdrew to his room to mourn the death of his son Absalom, Joab, the commander of army, told him, "Now go out and encourage your men," and all that David needed to do to lift their spirits and secure their loyalty was to sit in view of the people. (II Sam. 19: 7-8) When Paul reminded Titus that he needed to rebuke sin, he coupled rebuke with encouragement: "Encourage and rebuke with all authority." (Tit. 2: 15)

At our recent annual congregational meeting, I was reflecting upon the many aspects of the work and witness of Parkwood Church, and I was struck by how many different people make significant contributions to the ministry of the congregation. Many hearts and hands contribute to the life and witness of the congregation. At times, though, it is easy for each of us to be so busy "in my little corner" that we fail to give attention to what else is going on. Obviously one must "pick and choose" the groups or activities in which one is going to participate. None of us can or should do everything. Yet each of us needs to remember that many are engaged in ministry or service that isn't always evident; many do much work "behind the scenes". One of the best ways to enhance the ministry of the congregation is to develop an eye for what others are doing, and offer a little encouragement.

What a difference a daily dose of encouragement makes!

Encouragement may take many forms. It might be a smile, or a word of appreciation. It could be a card of thanks, acknowledging a job well done or an effort sincerely contributed. A telephone call or an e-mail message saying, "I am thankful for your contribution in the congregation, and I am offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God for you," and a prayer thus offered, has tremendous capacity for strengthening the bonds within the family of God and in building up the body of Christ.

Let us resolve to look for ways to encourage one another, and let us see our burdens becoming lighter and our service for Christ more joyful and satisfying.

If each of us offered each day a dose of encouragement to someone in the body of Christ, God alone knows how well the church would be sustained and would grow.

"Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today." (Hebrews 3: 13)

In Christ, with encouragement,


Your pastor,

James T. Hurd.