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In Order. A Gift Called Encouragement

December 15, 2017. Ephesians 1-6.

 

Encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. It is definitely a true gift for the hearer.

Who doesn’t long to be encouraged in the day to day of this life? It seems that when encouraging words are spoken over us, it’s as if we have been filled with a deep breath of fresh, pure air. So refreshing, and comfort that expands us to what our full capacity can and should be….

Encourage through the gift of uplifting words!

(Ephesians 4:29) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

We see that Paul’s encouraging words were carried by God’s authority for the believer. Paul was definitely a Christ follower, and between these two we see the perfect example for all to consider.

(Ephesians 5:1, 2) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Walk in the light…seeking God on a daily bases…because there is darkness all around.

Take a walk in wisdom-and pursue the understanding of what the will of the Lord is. Be ever mindful of conforming to His purpose for your life!

(Ephesians 5:15-17) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Marriage is compared by Paul to the relationship of Christ and His church. The personhood of man and woman in the original creation relationship, is that they were equal but different in function. Just as Jesus the Christ is equal with God the Father. There is a complementarity relationship as God the Father loves and exalts the Son. This example of God in relation to Jesus is an encouragement, since sin has distorted the original picture of the marriage relationship.

(Ephesians 5:33) Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Parents will reap the joys of parenthood when they choose to continually encourage their child(ren) in a nurturing, with godly training in what is right, atmosphere of influence.

(Ephesians 6:1-4) Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise; 3. That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. 4. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

As believers we have access to the encouraging gift of the whole armor of God! Covered in truth, with the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the word of God, we are bold ambassadors for His gospel to be shared!

Terri Hill

Terri has placed her hope and faith in the Lord Jesus, and is grateful to be a wife, the mother to four amazing children, and finds joy in her practically perfect, three grandchildren! ...more