Make Me a Blessing

If you need biblical inspiration, there’s no better place in scripture to find it than I Thessalonians 5:11-23 (ERV). It says:

“So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.

 Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you—those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live.  Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do.

Live in peace with each other.  We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.  Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

 Always be full of joy.  Never stop praying.  Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.

Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit.  Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important.  But test everything. Keep what is good,  and stay away from everything that is evil.

 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.”

To follow are helpful hints (with their corresponding verses) for you to use in becoming the best encourager possible.

1.   Build someone up emotionally by complementing them on a quality you appreciate. (I Thessalonians 5:11)

2.   Respect your leaders by looking for ways to cooperate with them. (I Thessalonians 5:12)

3.   Refrain from using critical comments about those in positions of responsibility. Remember to thank your leaders for their efforts. Find ways to live in peace with those around you. (I Thessalonians 5:13)

4.   Challenge someone to join you in a project. Encourage the timid by reminding them of God’s love to them. Support the weak by loving and praying for them. Plan to be calm in a strenuous situation. (I Thessalonians 5:14)

5.   Do good for those you originally planned to use revenge for to get even with.  (I Thessalonians 5:15)

6.   God is in control when everything around you is in turmoil.  (I Thessalonians 5:16)

7.   Pray to God because He is always with you.                                       (I Thessalonians 5:17)

8.   Make a list of God’s blessings to you, and then thank Him for each one. (I Thessalonians 5:18)

9.   Don’t ignore the tugging of the Holy Spirit in your heart anytime it happens.  (I Thessalonians 5:19)

10.                     Respond (with your heart) to the message of God when it is preached.  (I Thessalonians 5:20)

11.                     Embrace goodness, and spread a positive (encouraging) attitude to everyone (you meet).                   (I Thessalonians 5:21)

12.                     Avoid bad situations where you are drawn into temptation. (I Thessalonians 5:22)

13.                     Live the Christian life in God’s strength, and not your own. (I Thessalonians 5:23)

*Adapted from the article, “Checklist for Encouragers,” from The Life Application Bible, New International Version edition.