“To Encourage means to inspire with courage, spirit, and confidence." - Kathy Spampinato

The purpose of the Kingdom Kourage Blog is to bring encouragement from God’s word. Today, I find myself thinking about the definition of encouragement as seen above. Often we find ourselves in need of courage, and confidence. Life is challenging and we need confidence to navigate it. Where does your confidence come from? Some days it is easy to muster, as the tasks of the day are within our comfort zone, and we feel that we have the skills to manage them. In this case our confidence comes from experience, and knowing where our own strengths lie. The day is routine, and we’ve done this before. At other times, we are uncertain if we have what it takes to face the day.

I am often challenged when trying to live a godly life, wanting the attributes of Christ, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit to be evident as I interact with others. I love people and want positive relationships in my life, but I am human and struggle with lots of attitudes that are not very inspiring. I have habits to overcome and days when I am not feeling very gracious. I get inspiration from several different sources. The first and strongest is my personal relationship with God. I know I am loved because God loved me even when I was a mess.

Romans 5:8 NIV says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This reminds me that I am not in a performance challenge. God is not judging how well I do, with a checklist in hand. He is encouraging me with a love that inspires and builds me up. The second source for me is always God’s Word. When I decided/ recognized that it WAS the truth and I could build my life on its principles, I was placed on a firm foundation that I could rely on.

The third source of confidence and courage for me, is other believers. They energize and refresh me. Sometimes I need to be revitalized, fortified, and reassured. My friends will stir me up, spur me on, cheer me up, and comfort me with their support. Sometimes, they push me or goad me towards a new direction or a new mindset. I receive the confidence and energy needed to persevere, and move in the direction God has set. They are life-giving to me, and I am life-giving to them. We become an inspiration for each other.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 gives us an assignment in this direction. It states, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

The NKJV says it this way: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (emphasis is mine) To edify means to instruct, especially morally or spiritually; to uplift. You might not be too familiar with this word. It is the root of the word edifice; a building, especially one of large size or imposing appearance. So, to edify means to build each other up morally and spiritually so that we are comforted and encouraged. We all need that!

The dictionary describes courage as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. Having courage can be moving ahead despite the fear that wants to stop you. Life's challenges are intimidating, but if we push each other in the direction of confidence and courage, as we rely on God to enable us, we can be an inspiration to one another.

Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Circumstances may challenge your growth, but God is on your side. Rely on Him, and rely on those He has put in your life to build you up. Paul’s final greeting to the church at Corinth is my final greeting to you today.

2 Cor 13:11 “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”