Minister’s Corner: Be an encourager

The Apostle Paul stated his purpose in Colossians 2:2, when he wrote, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.” Paul realized that his purpose was to encourage the saints.
I don’t think we realize just how much and how often people need to be encouraged. I don’t think we realize just how much some people struggle to get through each day. We become so self-absorbed that we are always thinking about what we need, but we forget to think about what other people need.
A report from the National Institute of Mental Health states that, “Many of our daily conversations are actually mutual counseling sessions whereby we exchange reassurance and advice that help us deal with routine stresses.” People need their hearts uplifted. People need hope and reassurance. Paul made it his purpose to offer encouragement to others, and we should also.