HEBREWS 10:19-25; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
When Johnny Agar, then 19, completed the 5K race, there were a lot of family members and friends cheering him on as he accomplished his goal.
Johnny has cerebral palsy, which makes it challenging for him to engage in physical activity. But he and his father, Jeff, have paired up to take part in a number of races, with Johnny riding and Dad pushing. He desired to complete a task by himself one day. His father helped him move to his walker and finish the race on his own two feet by removing him from his cart at the halfway point. There was a huge celebration as a result, with friends and family applauding his success. Johnny told a reporter that having them behind him made it easier for him to do it. Their encouragement was what drove him.
Is that not what Christ-followers are supposed to do? Imagine the difference it could make if we all set out to encourage one another and always knew that we had a community of friends supporting us. The race would be simpler for all of us if we took seriously the command to “comfort… and edify one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
The decision to give up or continue can be influenced by a word of encouragement.
🙏Lord Jesus, cure us of our independent spirit, and help us encourage one another.
