I have been reading from Thessalonians the past few weeks, and am struck by the number times I read the phrase: "encourage one another." In this short little letter in the Bible, it occurs 5 times.
There are days, weeks, even months that we really need encouragement. I just spoke with a member of the congregation that I serve. For well over a year now she has battled cancer. Her daughter is staying with her for a few days and on a day when she really did not want to leave the house her for a meeting at the church building her daughter encouraged her to go so that she could be part of a group that supports her and gives her life. After the meeting this woman said to me: "It's always good to have someone encourage me to do something."
Runners, it seems, and those who watch races, are extremely good at encouraging one another. I remember vividly watching the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when Derek Redmond pulled up in the 400 meter semi-final with a torn hamstring. He continued limping around the track, while his father pushed past security to join him. Derek's Dad told him: "You don't have to do this." Derek replied: "Yes, I do." At which point his father answered him: "Then we'll finish together." The two finished to a standing ovation. Encouragement in action.
At the 2014 Minnesota state high school girls cross-country race two girls stopped to help an opponent who fell just 50 meters from the finish. All three were disqualified because of a high school league rule against aiding another runner. Again, encouragement in action.
In some ways it is easier to offer encouragement to a runner than it is to encourage another person experiencing the ups and downs of life's journey. In running it is often easier to tell what type of encouragement to offer. A runner appears tired so you cheer. A hamstring is torn so you walk alongside. A young woman falls so you help her up. Encouragement.
In everyday life such encouragement, is, at times, more difficult. We don't often let our guard down to say how someone can help us. It is hard to ask for someone's help. We don't want to become a burden. Where do you need encouragement in your life today? How might you be a source of encouragement for someone today?
Should the church not also be a place where we receive and offer encouragement? Can it be a place where you can come and be renewed and strengthened to do the work God has gifted you to do; a place where you can come as you are, a place where we celebrate achievements and console following disappointment; a people who gather to give hope when hope is scarce, comfort when it is needed, and courage when we are afraid; a place where you can be the person God has created you to be.
In Matthew's story about Jesus, Jesus says: "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God." When your light is dim, I pray that someone will come alongside you to rekindle the flame so that the light of Christ in your life will shine for all to see.
