Called Alongside
Called Alongside
Tuesday
"After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece."
— Acts 20:1-2 (ESV)
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
— 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV)
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
— Acts 20:1-2 (ESV)
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
— 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV)
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
The word "encouragement" in Acts 20 means "to call alongside." It's what a coach does when he jogs beside a tired runner. It's what a friend does when she sits beside you at a funeral. The churches of Macedonia had buried loved ones and wondered if they would ever see them again. The encouragement they received wasn't a pep talk; it was the hope of the gospel. Jesus died and rose again, and those who die in Him will rise too.
Biblical encouragement always points somewhere. It doesn't merely say, "You've got this." It says, "Christ has you." That's why it can strengthen someone who is grieving, anxious, or ready to quit.
You don't need a title to do this ministry. A text message, a handwritten card, a shared verse, or a ten-minute visit can carry the weight of heaven's comfort to someone who needs it.
Biblical encouragement always points somewhere. It doesn't merely say, "You've got this." It says, "Christ has you." That's why it can strengthen someone who is grieving, anxious, or ready to quit.
You don't need a title to do this ministry. A text message, a handwritten card, a shared verse, or a ten-minute visit can carry the weight of heaven's comfort to someone who needs it.
Reflect:
Who in your life is grieving, discouraged, or weary right now? What truth about Jesus would steady them?
Who in your life is grieving, discouraged, or weary right now? What truth about Jesus would steady them?
Pray:
Holy Spirit, make me an encourager. Give me words that point people to Jesus and the courage to speak them today. Amen.
Holy Spirit, make me an encourager. Give me words that point people to Jesus and the courage to speak them today. Amen.
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