Have zeal to encourage

Wednesday September 15, 2021

Have zeal to encourage

Searching the Scriptures

May no unhealthy words come out of your mouth, but only good words which, according to need, serve for edification and transmit grace to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Two seriously ill men occupied the same hospital room. Whoever had his bed near the window was allowed to sit there for an hour every afternoon. The other was forced to spend his days in bed. They talked for hours about their wives, their children, their life, everything, nothing...

Every afternoon, when he could sit down, the one by the window described to his roommate everything he could see outside. For the one who had to lie down, it was as if his world was expanding and brightened up with all the activities and colors of the outside world.

From the bedroom, the view overlooked a park with a beautiful lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their boats. Lovers walked arm in arm. There were flowers of all colors. There were also majestic trees, and, in the distance, you could see the city. While one described in great detail, the other, on the other side of the room, closed his eyes and imagined.

Days and weeks passed...

One morning the nurse entered the room and found the man dead by the window. He had died peacefully in his sleep. She called her colleagues and they took her away. When they were done, the one who remained asked if he could be placed next to the window in turn. The nurse made him comfortable there and left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first glance outside.

Finally, he would have the joy of discovering the outside world himself. But all he saw was a long gray wall. He was taken aback.

When the nurse came by again, he asked her why her roommate had described such wonderful things to her. She replied : "Oh, he was blind, he couldn't even see the wall, probably he just wanted to encourage you."

We don't know how much good encouragement can do. So let's not let this day go by without encouraging at least one person. Let us ask the Lord to help us in this.

Listen to the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God means. Who is God inviting you to encourage today ?

Praying is easy. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example prayer : "Lord, help me to encourage the people you place on my path. I want to communicate your love and joy to those who cross my path today."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. Today, what are your subjects of recognition ? Take a moment to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day comes to an end. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Thank you Lord for all who have encouraged me in life. Bless them. Yours be the reign, the power and the glory, amen !"

Jean-Louis Gaillard

Source (The Thought of the Day)