By Lisa Wilmore
Dear Hearts,
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! It is such a privilege to be in God’s family. I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to continue in the way of our Lord. He is the only One who is able to keep and sustain us. In fact, it is “In Him that we live, move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). In other words, He is the One who breathed life in us, and it is by His grace that we are still alive. For this reason, we say, “Thank You, Father!”
As a point of reference, every morning, family members begin texting and sending either a “Good Morning” or a Scripture that reminds us of the goodness of God. I always like to read them, but careful that prayer and devotion comes first. I am usually the last one to acknowledge and sometimes it is too late to respond. However, I enjoy reading the sayings and bask in them throughout the day. If you are like me, sometimes they can be overwhelming, but when the text messages do not come you wonder if everything is alright. So, encouragement becomes a part of your day, and you begin to expect it and desire the positiveness of what family members express.
The need for families to encourage one another is essential and necessary to uplift and foster strength as each member meanders throughout the day. The writer of Proverbs 12, Solomon, penned, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25 NIV). Even when family members are anxious, nervous, worried, etc., someone with a “good” word will make the heart glad. The price to encourage someone is free; however, when it is given, the recipient regards the words and their effect priceless.
Therefore, we should always seek ways and words to encourage our maternal and paternal families as well as our families in the faith. Interestingly, there are family members who need to hear a “good” word from others. At times, the struggle weighs heavily; nevertheless, at the right moment, a word of encouragement can lift a “bowed down” head and bring ease to a heavy heart.
When Jesus was here on earth, He always encouraged and helped individuals who were heavy laden, vexed, or ill. His ability to forgive sin and give by offering eternal life to those who believe served as encouragement then, and, today. As Christ encourages us through His Word, in like manner, families must serve as encouragers for one another, also.
Jesus Saves!
