Encouragement

 February 18, 2024

This morning’s sermon was about Epaphroditus, one of Paul’s helpers whom he sent to Philippi to encourage them in the faith. When I first read this text, it seemed quite unpromising to me, but God is faithful and drew my attention to a single word Paul used as explanation for sending this man to this church. He said it was NECESSARY to send him to you. Earlier, Paul talked about wanting to encourage the Philippian Christians because they had heard Paul was in prison and that Epaphroditus had been seriously ill.

My point is simple: encouragement is not optional. All of us face times in our lives, situations that feel overwhelming, discouraging, and difficult. We do our best to keep trudging on, but life can wear you down. Everyone at some point or another needs encouragement. It may be that teenager being cyberbullied, the single parent worn out with two jobs and three kids, the person with chronic illness, the one who failed miserably and now feels there is no future. Sooner or later we all need encouragement.

It’s not necessary to have “the right words.” Your presence is more important than your platitudes. Just be there for them.

Two questions follow: 

1. Who has been an encourager to you?
2. Who do you know who needs encouraging?

You can be the vessel through whom Jesus speaks encouragement to someone this week. Do it. It’s almost impossible to go through a week without meeting someone who needs encouragement. As Paul said, it’s not optional. It’s necessary.