One of the greatest ministries I know of is the ministry of encouragement. And the wonderful thing about this ministry is that all of us can do it! Sadly, we live in a world of great negativity – just watch the evening news. From political discord to wars and famines our world is often struggling with despair. However, I have great news! We can be light in a world full of darkness by sharing the good news of the gospel as well as becoming an individual who makes it their mission to be a person of encouragement.
And if you don’t think encouragement is important just listen to the words of Pastor Charles Swindoll: “Encouragement is awesome. Think about it. It has the capacity to lift a man’s or a woman’s shoulders. To breathe fresh air into the fading embers of a smoldering dream. To actually change the course of another human being’s day, week, or life.”1
My friends I believe all of humanity is wired with a need to be encouraged. Scripture tells us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21). The words we speak and share with one another have great power to either inspire, motivate, and build up, or to discourage, tear down and even destroy a person’s reputation.
All around us are people, both Christian and non-Christian, whose lives are filled with trouble and sorrow. Why not stand alongside them and share a word of encouragement. Better yet why not start a ministry of encouragement. May I challenge you to make a phone call, send a text message, write a letter, or send an email once a day, every day, for 365 days just to say hi, to say I miss you, to pay a compliment, or offer positive advice and feedback. There is no doubt in my mind that the impact you will have on the kingdom will prove to be massive. This ministry costs little in the amount of time but is sorely needed in the church today.
May I leave you with these encouraging and wise words from Charles Kingsley: “Never, if possible, lie down at night without being able to say: I have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day.”2
1 https://www.inspiringquotes.us/author/6635-charles-r-swindoll/about-dreams
2 Quote by Charles Kingsley: “Never, if possible, lie down at night without b…”