Encourage

Had a great night with friends. Nothing too formal, just hanging out and doing life together. On our way home, I couldn't help but think how much better I feel after getting to hang out. 

The past couple of weeks, I've been starting to see things in a broader, big picture kind of way. Closer to how God sees things. It has made me search for Gods purpose and meaning in normal every day things.

Encourage means to put courage in. To inspire, motivate, spur on. Where there is courage, fear has decreased and bravery has emerged. So if someone gives you a compliment, or makes you feel better about yourself or situation, it does not become encouragement until it moves you to action and makes you brave.

Encouragement is more then putting a bandaid on a wound or validating someone's feelings or emotions, but actually giving someone the courage to move forward. In the church, our words should not only make others feel validated, but push them to be brave and take a risk. The risk of obeying God. The risk of doing something new In a world of status quo. The risk of getting out of our safe place, even if others may reject us. The risk of failure.

The Bible tells us we can gain courage (be encouraged) by other believers, by the Holy Spirit and by God's word. So if you aren't brave enough to take a risk yet, go to the source of courage and find your bravery.

Be encouraged! God makes us brave so we can take a risk, knowing he'll catch us if we fail and keep pushing us forward!