Devotionals

Called to Encourage

by Jennifer Woodley 
07/23/17
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Called to Encourage

‘If anyone of you puts a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 (NRSV).

This single verse is a call to say and do the things that never cause another to stumble in their faith journey, but rather, say and do whatever causes another to progress, to aspire to move forward and to grow closer to Christ.

The invitation is to build up, to teach, to admonish and to encourage in love with the authority given to us by Christ. Our sin is great if we cause another to stumble, but our punishment will be even greater. Jesus says we would be better off if we drowned under the weight of a millstone in the ocean.

Consider our relationships within the Body of Christ. Who are we building up, and who can say they have been edified by our conversations of late? Are our words bringing hope, encouraging others to press on in faith whilst waiting for all that God has promised? Who are we comforting in trials and difficulties and who has comforted us? Our role is to serve the saints with diligence, not to become sluggish, but consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.

Let us inspire others to aim for excellence, to wait with patience and endurance as Christ transforms us into his image. Rather than be found hindering the faith journey of others, ask Jesus how we might be blessed people who will bring blessing to others.