Encouragement

June 12th, 2023

by Dr. J.C. House
06/12/2023

Deuteronomy 3:28 - “But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.”

We Christians should be encouragers. Sometimes as we see great need in others we feel as Peter did when he made this statement. “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6). We always have something to give and some of the most precious cannot be purchased with money.

Philemon was responsible for creating joy and encouragement to his friends. Philemon 7 - “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

In our text, the people were challenged to encourage Joshua in his responsibilities, and a most interesting thought is found in 1 Samuel 30:6. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

We are to be instruments of encouragement. Romans 12:8 - “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Exhortation has to do with encouragement. We should be encouragers.

WE SHOULD ALWAYS ENCOURAGE OURSELVES.
1. David encouraged himself in a time of great trials and trouble; we should always encourage ourselves.

2. Think about how unique you are. There is no one else exactly like you. Be encouraged.

3. Think about the fact that you are one for whom Jesus Christ died. Be encouraged.

4. Forgive yourself and dedicate yourself to the doing of the Father’s will each day. Be encouraged.

ENCOURAGE THOSE NEAR AND DEAR TO YOU.
Encourage your spouse. There is not one of us who does not need encouragement.

1. Husbands need the commendation of their wives.
Each wife can be a special help to her husband if she will appoint herself to encourage him. Commend him for the good things in his life and try to overlook some of his imperfections.

2. Wives need the appreciation of their husbands.
Express gratitude to your wife for what she means to you and show appreciation by deed as well as word.

3. Encourage your Children.
They need encouragement more than criticism. Encourage your children in the way they should be going and help them be all that God has created them to be. Give your child continual encouragement.

ENCOURAGE THOSE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH.
Have you ever thought about the fact that everyone needs encouragement? You can encourage some by the simple act of recognition, some by appreciation, and perhaps some with admiration of their accomplishments.

There is no excuse for a Christian to be discouraged continually and not be an encouragement to others. Rejoice in the Lord and invite others to share the joy that comes from knowing Christ.