A Thing God Does

And we can help

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

I have had several experiences of a strong affirmation coming my way in the days before a personal attack lands.

This week I received a message from a prayer partner, who wrote, I know when you pray for someone that's a form of pure love…

Within a couple of days, a relative went on a rant about how I have “no compassion for others.”

I was able to take the attack in stride because of that affirmation from a fellow Christian a few days before. God had used that encouraging message to build me up and to provide stability against the coming hostility.

God calls Christians to be a cheering section for one another. We need to name and affirm one another’s gifts, and celebrate when they are used to God’s glory.

In doing so, we can provide strength for attacks our fellow believers will face.

Jesus, knowing that Simon Peter would come under attack, encouraged him and gave him a charge to encourage his fellow Apostles,

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:31-32)

Peter himself would go on to write an encouraging letter to Christians facing persecution,

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace… (1 Peter 4:10)

The Apostles guided the early church to be a fellowship of love, mutual encouragement and strength:

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)

…encourage one another and build each other up… (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Hebrews 13:1-3)

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. (3 John 5-6)

God sends encouragement, often in timely ways to blunt attacks we endure or to build us up for good work he is giving us to do.

And he makes us messengers of that encouragement. Take time to reach out and affirm the holy qualities you see in your brothers and sisters in Christ.