Be That Person
Have you ever had a refreshing, cold drink on a blistering hot day? You may feel parched from the heat or humidity. When you get the water, it refreshes your soul from the inside out. My guess is that every one of us have experienced that at some point in life. As it relates to daily living, similar to that beautiful, refreshing glass of water, be that person for someone.
People Need Encouragement
Every person needs encouragement. They may not ask for it, and, if you ask them, may not “need” it; however, every individual can occasionally use encouragement. Some more than others.
Consider some of the people you will more than likely encounter at church today.
- The burdened person with an unspoken prayer request
- The wondering person who is waiting for a medical test to explain something unknown
- The heartbroken person who saw disturbing history on a spouse’s computer
- The concerned parent or grandparent over a child who is struggling
- The anxious person over a financial burden
- The fearful person with potential vocational change
- The overwhelmed person with a decision to make
- The lonely person thinking there is no one to talk to
- The sad person convinced no one cares
- The teetering person wondering whether following Christ is worth it
- The discouraged person struggling to see God’s care in a particular situation
- The downcast person who feels like they have no more energy to keep going
- The dismayed person who may be contemplating ending it all
As you know, this just begins to capture those who may be in worship with you today. In fact, you may be one of these people as well. No doubt in your life, at times, you have been there.
Be that Person
As you go to church and encounter one or more of these people – people who possibly suffer silently – be ready to give a word of kindness and an ear of compassion. Seek to be the person who provides a cup of cold water on a hot day. Strive to be that person who God uses to help refresh the souls of those who need it.
Think about Barnabas in the Scriptures. As you follow him throughout Acts, you see a man who is quick to trust, forgive, and encourage those around him (Acts 9:26-27; 11:2-26; 15:36-41). A generous, caring, humble man who looked around to see who he may serve. Paul the Apostle was one of them when he was yet known as Saul. John Mark, who definitely needed encouragement, also caught the eye of Barnabas. No doubt there were many others who are unnamed as well. He was known for his encouragement.
Our challenge today is to be that person.
How can you be that person?
Begin with the use your eyes and facial expressions to encourage others. Look for people. Please do not scan the audience and look over them as people; instead, strive to look at them, consider who they are, what you know about them, and how you might even pray for them in the moment. Seek to smile as you look them in the eyes. Soften your expression so that they see the smile on your inner man as well as your outer man. Just simply your presence in that moment may encourage them.
Additionally, encourage others with your ears. Before you can listen though, you will need to say something. Give them some kind of greeting that encourages a response. Be sure to listen well to people. When they are talking to you, try not to interrupt. Listen to what they tell you, for their heart behind it, and to provide you a way to demonstrate compassion. Move toward them with compassion first instead of a cognitive answer to their problem. Let them know of your concern, care, and willingness to help.
Further, use your words to encourage others. After you encourage them with your presence and your listening, then seek to share a word of encouragement. It is your turn. Let them know you will pray for them if they share a burden, of your joy for them if they explain how God blessed them, and of your gladness to see them as part of the body of Christ and family of God. Where appropriate, let them know of your sadness if they are going through a particular burden.
Let me suggest two ways you can enter into conversations this week. After you greet someone, you can say, “Tell me something about your week this past week.” Or, you can ask, “How can I pray for you this week?” Both of these statements just get the door open.
Regardless of what you do or how you do it, just do something. We need encouragers. You do as well. Engage your church family today as family. They love you, care for you, and desire to serve you. What a great blessing that #OnThisSunday we can both be an encouragement to others and receive encouragement from others.
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