BE ENCOURAGERS

Luke 10:25-37

I Thessalonians 5:11-14 (NRSV)

     Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

     But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you;esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.  And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.

Bishop Julius Trimble of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church often tells us “be encouraged” – have hope, take heart – certainly words the church needs in an age of transition and in our struggle with living out the gospel in a changing culture.

We all know those who need encouragement – anyone trying to make changes in their eating and exercise habits, the student for whom learning doesn't come easy; those who struggle with long term chronic illnesses and pain; people who are living into a new normal created by the loss of a loved one, of economic independence or of mobility and dignity. Whether it is the normal transitions of moving from ages and stages of life or dealing with unexpected and unwanted changes, people need help in finding hope, comfort and courage in their circumstances.

So, as a Christian friend, family member or co-worker, what does it mean to be an encourager?

Praise is wonderful. It's nice to be affirmed, to know that others have noticed our achievements and our gifts. It's one way that we can build others up. While praise is part of encouragement, encouraging others goes beyond an “atta boy” or “atta girl” or even a “well-done, good and faithful servant.”

Encouragement nurtures the heart and the soul. It helps others to take heart and find hope when the going gets tough and the road feels too long. In those circumstances, encouragement becomes an of compassion.

Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” I believe that this story is also an excellent illustration of what living compassionately looks like.

The story does not tell us why the priest and the Levite, both religious men, crossed to the other side of the road. Why would we choose to abandon another human being to their misery and suffering? Would it be due to fear of personal attack or perhaps of doing the wrong thing? Would our own plans have a higher priority or would we rationalize that it was “someone else's problem” to deal with. Or would self-centeredness and self-protection cause us to walk on by with closed hearts?

The Samaritan, on the other hand, opened up his heart to this man and chose to become involved. He made the wounded man's problems his concern. He tended the man's wounds, lifted him to the back of his donkey and then traveled with him to a place where the man could rest and heal in safety. But that was not the end of their relationship. The Samaritan was in it for the duration, promising to return to see how the man was doing.

The Samaritan had become the manifestation in this physical world of God's abiding and ever present love for the wounded man. As encouragers, we are called to do the same thing – to be for the walking wounded among us the physical presence of the love of Christ that gives them hope and helps them take heart in the midst of their struggles, discouragement and pain.

As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, to “... encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.”

Encourage the Fainthearted

Palliative cliches come easily to us, but they usually are just empty words to the spiritually, physically and emotionally wounded. The most powerful and meaningful thing we can do is to invest ourselves in being truly present in the moment with them. Actively listen to them and acknowledge their pain and struggle. Remember, this is about them, and not about you. Not only promise to keep that person in prayer, but also to stop then and there and pray with them. They will tell you what they need if you listen carefully.

Continue to be in relationship with that person as you check in on them and remind them that he or she is in your thoughts and prayers.

Also, don't forget about the healing and reassuring power of touch. A hand on a shoulder or on a forearm reminds them that someone cares. Always ask for permission to give a hug, and be careful to be above reproach with persons of the opposite sex.

Help the Weak

If an encouraging thought comes to mind, don't be shy about sharing it. What people need is to know is that they are not alone and forgotten. “God never gives us more than we can handle” is more powerful when we add, “And God helps us handle what we are given.”

Help them focus on the promises of God. Be in dialogue with them about scriptures and hymns that have brought comfort to you both.

It is loving and respectful to always ask how you can help, but sometimes they are hurting so much that it is hard for them to articulate what they need. It may be better ask, “Would it help if I ...” or say, “I would like to … Would that be helpful?”

Be Patient

Be sensitive to the fact that while something comes easily to you, it may be a struggle for others. Changes in behavior and habits and achievements of goals don't happen over night, and they may become impatient with themselves or discouraged with their progress.

You can encourage them by pointing out how God has been at work in their lives and how they are progressing. When you see improvement or change, celebrate even the tiniest of baby steps with a phone call, a congratulatory note, even a high five.

Be specific with praise: “I know it was a struggle for you, but I can see your hard work is paying off by ...” or “I admire the way you ...” or “You're handling this with great strength and perseverance.”

Encouragement is an act of compassion. We all know someone who needs encouragement for we move about in a world of the walking wounded. Be for them the physical presence of the love of Christ that gives them hope and helps them take heart in the midst of their struggles, discouragement and pain. Go and be encouragers.