Where are the encouragers ? :)

Some people have told me that I have the gift of discernment. I can tell when something isn't right or when someone is not as good as they say they are. I can also spot the fake Christians, even when my faith isn't as strong as it should be. Know why? Because I was trained and I worked with real Christians from 1999 when I first became saved (thanks in large part to Pastor Mike Fabarez). Some people call it my radar... 99% of the time it is so right on that people who don't know I have this gift are amazed at how right on target I can call things.

I also have a good sense of encouragement. This is something God has been working in me to get better at in recent months. I've always had the natural ability to encourage my friends when they were down... in junior high and high school I came home with some interesting characters.... I was the "loser magnet" as my mom calls it. hehe, never mind the loser guys.. I'm talking female friends. :) I have been overcoming my shyness and have learned to speak out when someone needs encouragement. I think encouragement can also be in the form of exhortation. We all need encouragement to stick with God's will.

Lately I have some friends who have been sharing stories about their friends who aren't very encouraging. As one who has the gift, there are a few verses that strike me as verses they need to be talking to their friends about. It has been on my heart to reflect on these verses that lead to encouragement/edification of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Just to make sure I am doing these things myself.

Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV) ==> 12Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. I want to point out that the NIV says in verse 13 to ENCOURAGE one another.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.


Ephesians 4:29-30 (ESV)
29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.


Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
5Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

I realize in context this is not directed to Christians relating to Christians per se, but it is important to realize that nonChristians see how Christians relate to one another.

All of these verses listed above are the foundation to unity in the Body of Christ... two of many the verses that can be found are listed below... exhorting us to ... make every effort to achieve unity.

Romans 14:19 (NIV)
19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV)
3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.