PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 20:1-6
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people.” (Acts 20:2)
In a sense, this is the mission we all share as Jesus followers.
To speak words of encouragement to the people we meet.
Our job is not to be liked, or to be funny, or to sound wise.
Our job is to use our words to build others up.
This involves more than words, it involves paying attention.
Paul did not just come to people and speak positive words.
He listened to the people, heard their joys and struggles, and prayed.
With the Spirit’s help, he spoke words that pointed them to Jesus.
He reminded them of all that the Lord had done, and what he was still doing.
Read the letters of Paul, these are examples of his words of encouragement.
Notice his love, his prayers, his focus on God and Jesus and hope.
But his encouragement also included warnings, challenges, guidance.
If my conversations with people were recorded, what would the tone be?
Do I travel through my area speaking many words of encouragement to people?
PRAYER
Lord, I want my mouth to be used to point to you, to speak hope, to encourage, build up and bless the people I speak with. May I be an encourager, like you are to me!
“Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.” Paul reacted and avoided the plot against him by re-routing himself. By this time Paul and his team could spend time ‘encouraging’ the believers that they established in the places they had been. Paul could spend time building up the believers and helping them to continue to grow in their faith – even in the face of life’s challenges/persecutions that they were facing. He could share from his own encounters – to help the new believers to also stand strong. That is what discipling is all about – encouraging and supporting believers to grow in their faith! Help me Lord to be an encourager!
Encourage is the word repeated twice and also shown by action. By my words and actions I need to be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. Paul by his words also attracted companions which would aid Paul in His ministry. People are attracted or pushed away by my actions. May my words and actions draw others in service to the King.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there is doubt true faith in You
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy