Encouraging Faith

When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. (Rom. 1:12)

Growing up, I wasn’t much of an encourager. I’m not sure if I lacked the ability to notice the positive and follow it up with thoughtful critique or was stuck in the act of self-gratification that blinded my view of others willingness to achieve. From this viewpoint, encouragement was all but absent early on, whether I was the provider, or the beneficiary.

In these early days, the encouragement I received would start out optimistic, but then fall void upon a negative follow-up. This pattern fell into my hands as I began my encouraging ways. It has taken a long time to realize that this unproductive dialog halts the growth of not only the recipient, but that of the source as well. I am now learning to pause on the positive and see it for what it is…wonderment!

This wonder of progress that I have begun to observe involves numerous individuals. Whether family, friends, co-workers or even complete strangers, I am beginning to encourage the positive and allow personal opinion to fall away. The area of encouragement itself spans many different subjects, from ordinary routines, my professional environment to faith-based conversation and growth.

Recently, this has not been more evident than when faith has been involved. I rely on this spiritual journal to lift me up and keep God’s Word prevalent in my daily journey. Many readers have shared with me that this journal has encouraged them along their faith walk. Seeing others faith strengthened encourages me to continue with these writings. I have had more honest and uplifting conversation as a result of this journal, which has inspired and encouraged me more than you know.

May God bless you and give you Grace!