Encouraged

Encouraged

Bible: Romans 15:1-6

Reading

Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up (V.5).

I’m encouraged every time I visit the gym near our house. In that busy place, I’m surrounded by people who want to get fit and build muscle. I am a bit weedy compared to many of them, but posters all over the gym remind us not to judge or criticise. We’re all there for the same reason, no matter how big or small, fit or unfit. Those of us who want to ‘get in shape’ with God, to grow in our trust of Him, can sometimes feel like we’re not as ‘spiritually fit’ as others in our churches or youth groups. They seem to know God better, can quote the Bible and say big, fancy prayers out loud. So we keep in the background— we’re afraid we’ll get told off for saying or doing the wrong stuff. Paul gave us something that can help: “Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up” (ROMANS 15:2). And he also added advice to help us move along on our walk with God when he said, “The endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide [give us] hope” (V.4). As we “accept one another” (V.7), instead of comparing ourselves with them, let’s trust our spiritual growth to God—to the work of His Spirit. And while we follow Him each day, let’s do our part to be encouragers in our youth groups. We may not know all the Bible, but we do know how important it is to help our friends stay close to Jesus

ENCOURAGEMENT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN GIVING UP AND GOING ON.

                                      Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries