“By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.” (2 Corinthians 7:13)
Read 2 Corinthians 7:2–16.
What does encouragement look like to you? How does it feel to offer or receive it? How does encouragement help us? I hope your heart is warmed as you call encouragement to mind.
What a gift, is the giving of encouragement! It often costs us little but offers a lot.
In this verse, Paul shared his delight in his own encouragement from the Corinthian believers and his awareness of the joy and refreshment Titus experienced because of their kindness.
We know from the Scripture that Titus had come to the Corinthians on Paul’s behalf. From reading around this journey, we learn he came with a difficult message. I imagine it could have gone badly. However, we read that the Corinthians welcomed him with care and grace. Titus was encouraged, and their behaviour gave Paul great joy. This experience of encouragement became a blessing to the Corinthian believers and uplifted Titus, who shared this with Paul. In so doing, Paul recorded their gift of encouragement that blessed the churches of their time and speaks to us today.
Sincere encouragement is a gift and a blessing — both to the recipient and the giver. As Christians, we can give it in genuine words of appreciation, acts of thankfulness or prayer for others, to name a few. Acts of encouragement offer gifts of renewal, inspired by the love God has for us. Life can be very hard, lonely and disappointing. Encouragement can help us build up each other and know the experience of being built up ourselves.
Encouragement may seem like isolated, tiny acts. However, it is extraordinary in what it offers us in our lives, communities of faith and our place in the world. Who might need encouragement today? You and I may both need it. I encourage you to encourage others sincerely. My prayer for you today is that you also receive the encouragement that refreshes you.
Prayer
Father, as I am encouraged by the grace and mercy You have granted me in my forgiveness, let me reach out to others and encourage them. Let my words and actions give others strength and hope in that they are not alone but are joined by other like-hearted people and supported in this life.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
