Thanks to Grace Harmon for this post. Grace is a lovely young lady that we met through the GNOM surge in Richmond, Kentucky. Grace has been an encouragement and a blessing to our family. Thanks also to Grace's parents, John and Lisa Harmon, for encouraging their children to serve the Lord, and to live each day in worship of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
If you have something you would like to contribute to "One anothering", please send to cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com. We welcome comments also, and the Facebook Group gives people the opportunity for open discussion on the discussion boards. Enough of me talking, I hope you enjoy these thoughts on encouraging one another by Grace.
As a child I grew up listening to a song by Steve Green. "Encourage One Another" was a delightful tune that my sisters and I would sing over and over again. However, at that time I did not realize that a kids song could apply so well to our daily lives.
There seems to be much negative talk about other people in the world around us. We seem to find excitement in laughing at others behind their back, talking people down, and picking at their faults. Why is this so easy? Why do I often catch myself laughing at a story that pokes fun at someone else?
Encouragement in the body of Christ is something that is often lacking, but is vital for a thriving assembly. 2 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."
Perhaps we could remove the focus off of what makes us feel good, and think of what the Lord Jesus would do. Romans 15:5 "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus."
Maybe there is more to this than words. Perhaps we should "speak" encouragement with our actions. Looking at Jesus we find Him unselfish with His time. He reached down and lifted people up out of their sad state. He spoke truth to the pharisees, but never with the wrong motives or heart.
If we spent more time finding ways to best help, love, and encourage others, there would be little time to tear them down. Let's continue to keep our eyes open for ways to build each other up.
- Grace Harmon
Those are some good practical points. I have a lot to work on! Thanks Grace!
ReplyDeleteVery encouraging thoughts Grace. This is def something that has sadly been a big problem amongst believers. I too have found myself chuckling at something hurtful that was said about someone else. I need to remember how it has felt when I myself have been the victim of such talk. It does no feel very good. We have a CD in spanish that we play for our 1 yr old son any time we are in the car. One of the songs is from Psalm 34:13 - Keep they tongue from evil, and they lips from speaking guile. It's def something to work on .... on a DAILY basis.
ReplyDeleteGrace, your family in Kentucky taught us this song, that seems to fit well with the subject:
ReplyDelete"Watch your tongue and watch your temper, do not say an unkind word, when you start to speak in anger, turn it over to the Lord
You can use your tongue for singing hymns of praise in one accord, you can use your tongue for blessing friends and parents and the Lord
Jesus died for your salvation, He will take away your sin. He'll control your words and actions, when you let His love come in."
Scripture has so many reminders of how we ought to encourage each other, and never tear each other down. Thanks again for your contribution to "One Anothering in the body of Christ"
Thanks so much for this Grace! I think it is definitely something that all Christians could benefit from hearing. Sadly, I have found that Christians in general have become really guilty of this. Christian teens have grown up with that being the "norm". sigh We have unknowingly taught our kids that this is ok. I have really become aware of this in the last 3 years. I know that it is something that God has been working in me. It breaks my heart to see how mean we Christians can become. Praise God that He is not willing to leave us the way we are! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a Grace also and she is 13. She is desiring to seek Christ even though her friends are beginning to get involved in worldly relationships. She has been hurt by her so called Christian friends through their gossip and unkind words. They are choosing to follow their ways and not Gods. I pray she finds godly friends and keeps her eyes and heart focused on Christ the author and finisher of our faith!
ReplyDelete