Wind & Fire - ReflectionsSample

Written by Javier De La Rosa - Discipleship Minister at City on a Hill Melbourne

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Steel beams are essential in large constructions, they hold the building steady, reinforcing its structure against the forces that could shake it. In a similar way, the words of encouragement we speak to one another in the church strengthen our stability in Christ. They remind us of God’s promises, lift our hearts when we feel weak, and protect us from the discouragements the world and enemy throw our way.

Encouragement is more than polite words or empty compliments. It is a spiritual gift given by the Spirit to strengthen, comfort, and build others up in their walk with Christ. When you encourage someone, you participate in God’s work of shaping hearts and fortifying faith. Your words, motivated by love, have eternal significance.

Think about the people in your life who have encouraged you in the past. Their words often stayed with you long after the moment passed. Now, God calls you to offer that same gift to others. A timely word of encouragement can change the trajectory of someone’s day, or even their life, by pointing them back to the hope we have in Christ.

Reflect:

Based on today's reading:

How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to respond today, for God's glory and the good of others?

Pray:

Lord, teach me to be attentive to the needs of others. Give me words that build up, comfort, and encourage, so that through me Your Spirit strengthens those around me. Help me to speak with love and faith, reflecting Your heart to the people I meet. Amen.