The Benefits of Encouragement
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16.
The bible instructs us to allow the word of Christ to richly dwell in us. The Greek terminology for the ability to dwell or live in as to settle in a place with all comfort is enoiketo. It is used in a spiritual connotation, and it defines the word in the life of the believers who totally yield and open their hearts to God.
When Christ is truly Lord and Master of our house, He can use us to be a blessing in word and deed to others. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16.
God is omniscient and so gracious; He knows that we too will receive innumerable spiritual benefits when we encourage and help others by sharing His unconditional love. It is impossible to pray, encourage and seek to guide someone else without being affected with the power of His word. What we freely give out, will certainly return in form of a blessing in our own lives. “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1.
The bible tells us in Psalm 37:23 that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way,” Opportunities to pray and encourage others are not by chance; they are divine appointments by God to bless whom He chooses. Thankfully, we don’t get to pick and choose who to bless; by the love of Christ that dwells in us we are empowered to love all men which glorifies our Father in Heaven “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45.
When we are faithful to His calling and allow Him to direct us in the lives of others; spiritual graces such as joy, peace and compassion will flood our souls and overflow to those around us. We become a reservoir of blessings and it’s a win-win situation!
So, this day that God has so graciously given us to see, let’s be obedient and encourage someone else along the way. And ultimately, God gets all the glory, and we can be assured as the song writer wrote, if I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.
God blessings and peace be with us all.