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