The Power of Encouragement

Last Tuesday, I woke up to the news that a high school classmate of mine had passed away. This makes two that I have lost in the last five years or so. It made me think. Travis came from a loving family. Both his parents and brothers are faithful members of the Lord’s church. He grew up with me at Mobile Christian, and we were both in the youth group together. We played football together.

On paper, he had everything one would think to live a full, faithful and productive life. Now, I don’t know the circumstances that led to his death and obviously anything can happen at any time, but it reminded me that just because our life seems perfect, does not mean that it is.

As Ray said this past Sunday, we have had around twelve responses to the invitation. That means at least twelve members of our congregation are struggling with something. I am sure there are many more who just have not felt compelled to walk the isle. We need to be checking up on each other daily.

We need to be encouraging each other daily. From our teens and kids to the oldest members, we need each other! That is why God gave us His church. It is the ultimate support group! That is why coming together each week is so important, but it is not enough to just say hello on Sunday and leave it at that.

We must be engaging with each other outside of Sunday morning worship. We need to be sure that everyone is having their needs met, whether that is physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, that is the duty of the Lord’s church. That is why it is so important to have things like a strong youth group and kids group. They need encouragement, too, and especially from members outside of their immediate family.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I agree and we have an awesome village of people who are helping to shape our young people here at Summerdale. It also takes a village to raise a Christian and that does not have an age requirement.

So, I challenge all of us, myself included, to check up on your brothers and sisters this week. You never know how important and encouraging word can be! Always remember you are loved!

Eric

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