JULY 27, 2012
Quiet
Encouragers
Read: Acts
11:22-26
[He] encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should
continue
with the Lord. —Acts
11:23
One of the qualities I
most admire in others is the gift of quiet,
behind-the-scenes encouragement. I
remember arriving home
from a stay in the hospital and finding that my friend
Jackie
(who had surgery a few days earlier) sent me a book of God’s
promises.
My Uncle Bob was so
thankful for the people who cared for him
at the cancer center that he sent
hundreds of complimentary
notes to their work supervisors.
My cousin Brenda
experienced the agonizing loss of a child almost
20 years ago, and now her
quiet deeds of compassion are treasured
by many.
Often it is the very
people who have experienced the most suffering
—physical and emotional—who are
the most abundant providers of
encouragement to others.
In Acts, we read about
Barnabas, who was known as the
“Son of Encouragement” (4:36). He was “a good
man, full of the
Holy Spirit and of faith” (11:24) and encouraged others so
“that
with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (v.23).
His
acts of encouragement must have had a wide and strong
sphere of influence.
Just as we have been
blessed with encouragement, let’s be a
modern-day Daughter or Son of
Encouragement to others.
Teach
me to love—this is my plea;
May
all the Spirit’s graces shine through me;
Tear
from my heart all hate, foolish pride;
Help
me to live like Christ the crucified. —Peterson
The human spirit rings
with hope at the sound of an encouraging word.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
