Today’s reading: Acts 20:1-16; Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 18:21
Paul was an amazingly gifted preacher/teacher, and so often that’s where I focus. But he was also an incredible encourager who dedicated a good bit of his time and efforts to supporting, motivating and inspiring other followers of Christ to stay the course. It’s a picture we see throughout Acts, but it’s specifically noted in Acts 20. Immediately after the riot against the teaching of Jesus in Ephesus, Paul gathers, what had to be a discouraged group of disciples, and encourages them (vs. 1). He then heads out to Macedonia where he dispersed “much encouragement” (vs. 2). And after spending several months in Greece, Paul and a number of disciples go to Troas where, once again, Paul refreshes the believers in the area with his presence and words.
Would you describe yourself as an encourager of others? What’s one example of how you refreshed, supported and/or strengthened someone through your presence or words in the past week? When you step out and encourage someone, what effect or impact does this have on you? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
