Encouragement & Community

This week there are only 2 challenges, but they both focus on our engagement with one another.  

  1. Speak Words of Encouragement

Put into practice the instructions
“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today” (Heb. 3:13), and
“Let us encourage one another …” (Heb. 10:25)
by nudging someone else closer to God each day.

Remember that, “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Pr. 27:17).
Choose your words wisely this week, remembering that,
“everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (Jms. 1:19).

Spend this week being more intentional about your words.
Do not gossip, and speak only words that encourage other people.
As Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.”

“If it is proper to speak, speak of what will benefit others spiritually. Bad habits and neglect of our spiritual progress contribute much to our endless chatter.”
(Thomas A Kempis in Foster and Smith, 153).

2. Invest in the intergenerational Christian church community

Go to church. Attend a Christian assembly and invest in relationships when you’re there; specifically, invest in relationships with people who are not your age.