Encourage and Be Encouraged

For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. - Philemon 7

Paul, though appearing at times to be a renegade loner in ministry, was anything but. While it is obvious that he could not "survive" apart from the Lord's consistent abiding presence, Paul also desperately needed the encouragement of Christian brothers and sisters to remain strong in the ministry. His first real friend in God's service was Barnabas who was named such simply because of his strong gift of encouragement.

We all need encouragers, folks who let us know that we're doing well (when we are) and also let us know when we need to change (when we aren't). In the same way, we all nee to be encouragers, refreshing the hearts of the saints at every opportunity, for many in the "family" grow discouraged each and every day.

Encourage and be encouraged!

Virtues are acquired through endeavor, which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues can but encourage one's own efforts. - Thomas Paine