Encouragement

Encouragement

Do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Gal 6:10

-----------------------------

Gal 6:1-10
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.
3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,
5 for each one should carry his own load.
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

-----------------------------

This text is interesting in that it encourages us to carry one another’s burdens.
It also directs us to assume responsibility for our own burdens. We conclude with
the encouragement to do good to all people, especially to other believers.

There is a precious balance as we try to help and encourage others. We can err on
the side of smothering someone. I remember the time a young man was being
invited to live in a small community home. He spent his life up to this time in a
seniors’ nursing home. His needs were addressed, he was kept clean, well fed and
warm. He was loved and he knew he was loved. The staff of the nursing home
had made sure that they would carry his burdens for him. They were
well motivated to do good to all people.

When the teenaged fellow joined a small family of developmentally challenged
youth, he had a surprise in store for us. He continued to need the personal care that
he had always received. However, being a teenager in Ontario, he had a right to
attend school. The staff worked with the local educators and a special
program was soon in place for him.

This young man was severely physically incapacitated. He could not speak and he
had little mobility beyond limited hand and arm movement.

A computer was modified so that with one digit he could communicate. In one year,
this young man completed many grades of mathematics and language!
Everyone was astounded.

Life had become much more interesting for our friend as he was able to assume
responsibility for more of his life. He could now communicate his wishes and he
earned a new level of appreciation from those who knew him. The point being
made is not that we only have value when we do something that society sees as
utilitarian. The point being made is that this young man now had a new sense
of personal accomplishment and worth that altered his circumstances
and his influence on others.

We are to look for instances when we can share a person’s burden. While some
challenges are life-long, other challenges are temporary, but they place significant
stress on the available personal resources. Having a friend share that part
of life’s journey is a huge encouragement.

-----------------------------

Heavenly Father, as I think of all of the people in my life I get excited. Not only is
there great potential in my friends and loved ones, I have also been blessed by
them. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I did not have the
relationships that I enjoy with so many people. Thank You for enriching my life
through the people You have sent to me. Help me to encourage them as well. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.