The Encouraging Word
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What are the most transformational and encouraging words we can speak to the people around us?
As followers of Jesus who live out our lives in light of another kingdom, we are called to communicate the word of God in every opportunity.
The Apostle Paul encouraged his disciple Timothy with these words, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:1-2, NIV).
The encouraging word of God corrects, rebukes, and exhorts—when communicated consistently, with patience, and with thoughtful teaching and instruction.
We are in the presence of God, waiting in anticipation of God’s judgement. We are awaiting Christ’s return, and his present and coming kingdom. In view of these profound truths, we are to preach the encouraging word of God to everyone.
May we “be prepared in season and out of season to preach the encouraging word of God—to correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2).
In Christ alone, Robbie
A Prayer For Inner Renewal Through The Word: “Gracious God and most merciful Father, you have granted us the rich and precious jewel of your holy Word: Assist us with your Spirit, that the same Word may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to your own image, to build us up and edify us into the perfect dwelling place of your Christ, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues; grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.” (#70, Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
