Pursuing the Gift of ProphecySample

Day 7 - The Power of Encouragement

Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, (NASB)

If we pause and take a simple look at the word encouragement or encourage, we see the word encourage or courage within us. We will all need more courage within if we walk out the full measure of our calling in Christ.

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV) If we look a little deeper into the meaning of the word “fear” in this verse, we find the Greek word, deilia. This word, deilia, means cowardice and timidity.

In a dark world, where deep darkness covers the people (Isaiah 60:2), we need Godly courage stirred up within us. And the antidote to fear, or deilia - cowardice, timidity, is love and to stir up the courage within. We can do this by encouraging each other daily. Encouragement is not flattery or happy words apart from God’s life-giving Spirit. Encouragement is part of God’s very nature; this is why He is called the God of encouragement in Romans 15:5.

Fear does not come from God as the bible tells us in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love,” but power, love, and a sound mind do come from God (1 Tim. 1:7). Living in God’s power takes courage, loving people in this world takes courage, and living with a sound mind in a chaotic world will certainly take courage. For these reasons, it would greatly benefit us to know the power of encouragement and learn to partner with the God of encouragement so that we can stir up courage within the people around us.

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any 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.” (NIV) As we grow in maturity as followers of Christ, we understand that when we speak prophetic words or simply grace-filled encouragement, we are furthering His Kingdom and building up believers to walk in the fullness of their calling.

Prayer

God, use me to speak your powerful words of encouragement to a timid and fearful world.

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