1) “If anyone boasts, I love God, and goes on hating his brother or sister, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see?” (I John 4:20) Christians have no excuse for unloving behavior, crucify it, it will not die easily but it cannot be tolerated. Regardless what others do, love must be the response. You cannot be a mature believer without loving!

2) Because the “world’s eyes are blinded to truth” (II Cor. 4:4) be wise about speaking truth before you pray their eyes be opened. Ask the Holy Spirit to soften their heart and give them a hunger for the truth, this is not a quick prayer then preach at them, this may be an assignment that takes decades of love, patience and gentleness, God cares for the lost and He wants your witness to help bring change to them!

3) Billions of people around the world live in this kind of heat without AC, running water or plumbing. They have happy families, successful businesses and don’t complain. Stay thankful for the blessings you have, tell others how good God is to you. Everyone faces adversity. Are people more familiar with your blessings or your struggles, which do you focus more on? It’s God’s will for you to give thanks in everything! I Thess. 5:16-18

4) Encourage someone who has had a failure or disappointment, maybe even a recent public disaster. Look beyond the obvious things you could say, listen for the Lord’s perspective and speak that over them. Many times the ones you are speaking to will not believe the Lord still loves them or wants to use them, aren’t you glad God uses imperfect vessels? Everyone needs building up!

More Encouraging Words...