MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!!!!
BIBLE PASSAGE:
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another—and all the more
as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:25)
MEDITATION:
Every person you know needs to be encouraged at some point (or points) in their life.
Everyone needs to have someone in their lives
who is willing to listen to their stories, and let them know they are loved.
Read this account from someone
who did not waste her opportunity to show love, and feel love:
I can remember some of the most tender moments with my mother. We would
just sit at her dinner table and talk. She would tell me what she was thinking,
usually about her time with my father or other special memories from her past.
I would listen to her intently, as if I were hearing her stories for the first time.
I knew that meant a great deal to her.
But then came one of the most painful days in both our lives. My mother had
a devastating stroke. She was paralyzed and could no longer speak. From then
on, she couldn’t say anything to me—not a word. Although that was extremely
difficult to bear, I was thankful we had not wasted the opportunities God had
given us to express our love for one another. It gave me comfort to know we
had not taken those times for granted. I was certain my mother understood
how very much I cared for her.
“While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
As you meditate on this instruction from God’s Word, the following
may be helpful as you make efforts to encourage and show His love to others:
Express your care and concern for other people:
Tell others what you appreciate about them – they want to hear it.
Many individuals you know may be under tremendous pressure
and desperately need some encouragement.
Remind them of God’s love and provision,
and let them know of your own concern for their well-being.
Show your affection with a caring hug or act of service:
You may come in contact with people
who are anxious for someone to lend them a hand.
Don’t turn them away, but help them as a physical act of love.
Let them see the love of Jesus through you and through your actions.
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from
the one who wants to borrow from you. (Mathew 5:41-42)
Love others patiently:
It may take a long time for some to appreciate the truth of God’s Word.
But instead of giving up, continually pray for them faithfully.
It will be worth it when they finally embrace the Father’s love
and follow Him in obedience.
Care for other people with gratefulness:
The truth is you will find that some individuals are difficult to minister to.
Ask the Father to fill you with His love for them,
and help you to understand their burdens.
Then thank Him for the opportunity to encourage their hurting souls.
Express your affection generously:
When was the last time you gave freely to another person
without expecting anything in return, simply because you cared?
God blesses us so that we might bless others, so keep your eyes open
for ways to show people His provision through sacrificial giving.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to
put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,
who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to
do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In
this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the
coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
(1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Love others tenderly:
Be sensitive to the emotions of others,
and pay careful attention to what they say to you (be a good listener).
Many have come to know the Savior because a friend
took the time to listen to them, and cared about their concerns.
Always be forgiving:
When you begin to feel angry or resentful
towards the people the Lord has called you to encourage,
remember how many times God has forgiven you.
Show compassion to them in the same way He has shown compassion to you.
You may not be able to control how others treat you, but you can always
choose to respond to them in a manner that honors the Father.
Care for others with devotion:
When you are dedicated to someone, you support and
defend them when they face heartaches and difficulties.
You don’t abandon them when challenges or problems arise.
Stand by others in their time of need; they will appreciate your loyalty.
Love others cheerfully:
Develop the ability to always remain positive in all circumstances.
Through Christ, there is always hope, regardless of the situations.
Do your best to help others cling to the promises of God
whenever they go through trials, or experience suffering.
Share your affection honorably:
Nothing blesses another person more than when
you walk in the center of God’s will and allow Him to work through you.
Always make your relationship with the Father your first priority.
When you do, He will guide you
in how to best encourage and love those around you.
ACTION:
What about you?
Is there someone in your life who needs to know how much you care about them?
Is there someone who would benefit from your kind words or listening ear?
Do you know someone who needs your care and compassion today?
Never forget that those serving Him (pastors, missionaries, etc.) need
encouragement too – they have challenges that others may not know about
because Satan unleashes his efforts to discourage them and make them fail.
Is there someone who would benefit from your kindness?
Has the Father impressed upon your heart others to whom you should minister?
If so, don’t ignore His calling but make the most of
the opportunities God has given you to show His love to others.
We never know how long we have to make a difference in another person’s life.
God gives opportunities to participate in His earthly ministry
to those who belong to Him.
Don’t reject or ignore these chances, but be thankful
that He feels you are important enough to be used by Him.
Share His love with others verbally, physically, patiently, gratefully,
generously, tenderly, forgivingly, devotedly, cheerfully, and honorably.
Then observe how He changes and enriches
the lives of others through your obedience to Him.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I pray that You will provide me with the sensitivity
I need for loving and encouraging others. Help me to let You speak to
them through me. Help me to love and encourage others in the same
way You love and encourage me. Thank you for Jesus and how He
proved His love of everyone by going to the cross for our sins. Lastly,
I pray that You will help me to love You more and more every day.
Thank you for loving me.”
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