Encourage One Another

“Let us consider how we may motivate one another to acts of love and good works . . . by encouraging one another.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage from Hebrews comes from the section often titled “A Call to Persevere.”
• The writer notes the practicality of considering both our individual needs, as well as our interconnectedness and mutuality with others. This reminds us that we aren’t separate from one another and, that because humanity connects to all life, our choices have consequences. Furthermore, whatever we do in our part of the world can ripple around the globe.
• To encourage another is to offer them support, hope, counsel, and confidence. Literally, when we encourage someone, we give their spirit and their courage a positive boost.
• When we encourage others, we recognize them first as a child of God.Then we focus on their strengths and the unique gifts they have to share.
• Encouragement also emphasizes behaviors or conditions we do want, rather than those we don’t. So, when we say something like, “You’ve got this. You can do it,” we emphasis the positive.  This differs from praise and saying something like: “Great job.  Well done,” which evaluates an action or behavior.
• Encouragement is a form of grace we offer one another.
• When we form partnerships, teams, or groups, we form a community which can encourage and uplift the whole, not just one individual. It’s our reminder that God is with us and within us, for as Jesus says, “Where two or three gather in my name, there ‘I am’ is also.” (Matthew 18:20)
• As Rev. Howard Thurman explains in his inspiring collection, Meditations of the Heart, none of us is an island unto ourselves. So, our strength, he teaches, comes from our community connections because that’s where we “enter the Holy of Holies where God dwells” and discover that “the dwelling place of God is” in our own hearts.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• What, if anything, in my life feels discouraging?
  • List, word map, or illustrate:
    • the situation.
    • how you feel about it.

• What, if anything, in my life feels encouraging?
  • List, word map, or illustrate:
    • the situation.
    • how you feel about it.

• As you reflect on these situations and your feelings, what are others saying or doing to encourage you to keep going, even through difficulties?
  • List, world map, or illustrate as many encouraging words or actions as you can.

• Which people in my life encourage me and offer me grace?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all of them, no matter how minimal the encouragement seems.
  • Then, list, word map, or illustrate what you’ll do to continually connect with them.

• Which people in my life can I encourage and offer grace?
  • List, word map, or illustrate who they are, no matter how minimal you believe your encouragement is.
  • Then, list, word map, or illustrate what you’ll do to continually connect with them.

• What communities am I connected with now?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as many as apply. Include everything from the food co-op, to the Zumba class, to the partners’ meeting.

• What are at least three (3) ways that I can find God within the heart of these communities?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as many ways as you can.

In using this devotional, contemplate your interconnectedness with others.  Remember that the encouragement of spiritual masters is equitable, inclusive, and uplifting.  It finds God in the hearts of others and seeks to support them as they persevere through challenges and achieve breakthroughs.  So, as you and your communities encourage one another, also enjoy celebrating your milestones and successes.

© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.