Words of Encouragement

Life is tough. It tears this down. It beats us up and sometimes it feels like it's going to win. What a difference a word or an action of encouragement can make.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

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I don’t remember what had gone wrong, but that day was terrible. It seemed everything I touched just crumbled. I couldn’t do a thing right. And then my wife smiled at me. Just that smile was enough to boost my spirits and lift me up for the day. Was enough for me to face the battles and charge ahead.

Let’s face it. Life is tough. It tears this down. It beats us up and sometimes it feels like it’s going to win. What a difference a word or an action of encouragement can make. It can lift us up instead of tearing us down. It can strengthen us instead of causing us to fall. No wonder in First Thessalonians Paul encourages us:

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

The greatest encouragement I’ve received in my life is when I’ve messed up royally. I’ve done the wrong thing and sinned. Someone has come and pointed out my sin but then also pointed me to Jesus. That God wasn’t going to hold my sins against me but because of Jesus had forgiven me and loves me and would work all things for my good.

What great words of encouragement God’s words of forgiveness are. So maybe you’re having a tough day today. It’s gotten off to a bad start and it’s not getting any better. Here’s a word of encouragement for you: God loves you. Your sins are forgiven. May the rest of your day be filled with peace, amen.

Timothy Hartwig
Timothy Hartwig

Tim Hartwig is currently serving as President of the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary.

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