Encouragement, what exactly does that mean?
-the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
-persuade someone to move forward with something, or try something new.
On the “Biblical “ aspect encouragement is quite the same. But with some key aspects.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB-
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”
Others see encouragement as a spiritual gift from God. Encouraging the other person to strive to be the best they can be.
Encouragement strengthens others to follow God's will.
Encouragement in Christ gives us the strength to put on our spiritual armor and remain steadfast.
So as you can see encouragement means the same. As Christians we definitely have an emphasis on encouraging others as much as ourselves. We must believe in ourselves and show others it is so vitally important to have that in us, deeply planted. Then we can pass that on to others.
We are at the very beginning of October. October happens to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This hits me right to the core. I have reached my 4 year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew right from the beginning I needed to use this to encourage others who have been diagnosed, and also encourage others to have that mammogram yearly or as the doctor suggests. No matter what your age is. Breast cancer can be well hidden. It may not even be felt on exam. Usually no symptoms noticeable unless it has been there for a very long time. Some women complain that it hurts to have a mammo. I’m here to tell you, cancer hurts more.
Ok, so I’m talking about encouragement. How does that encourage others? That is where we must listen for the Holy Spirit. He has to speak to us about who to share with, and how to share. That is a huge key as to sharing and encouraging to others. Listen, trust Him, encourage yourself. Be positive, be gentle, be kind. And always be truthful.
Since I am talking about encouragement let me remind you it is October. And breast cancer seems to be out there more often than ever. Men and women, yes both can get breast cancer. I’d like to encourage you all, please start with self exams. You may be thinking how do I know what to feel? This is the age of the internet. There are tutorials on everything. And I mean everything. So that’s the 1st step. Next, see your primary care doctor for regular check ups and yearly physicals. Don’t forget there are other areas that need watching. Women have their bodies. Men have theirs. Both have colons. That is another very important exam to have. I share this because it is our responsibility to take care of our bodies. Inside and out. I know this is about encouragement. I hope it is received that way. Our Father God created us, He has given us a call of duty to take care of our bodies. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us not disappoint our Lord Jesus.
I pray for you my friends. That we can all be more than conquerors. We can be that person who sends those positive and encouraging thoughts out to others in need. And as we walk boldly in our victories, we can draw others closer to our Lord Jesus.
“Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 HCSB
Great word, Kathy! I had breast cancer at 46, with NO symptoms!
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