By Mark Maher
We are in it together, in the good times and during the tough times. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) Who do you celebrate life with? Who do you mourn with? “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller
Strong fellowship is walking in the call of God. We’re not called to do it alone. “Where there is no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
Not everyone needs to be close to you in your life, but hopefully at least one person is. Who’s your go to person? “Staying vulnerable is the risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.” Brene’ Brown
We are all in this together. We’re all on the same team for Christ, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) We all have different gifts, different interest, different pursuits, different visions, but we all belong to the same kingdom. This is why it’s important to encourage and support each other. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
“Encouragement is one of the most profound gifts you can bring to the life of another person. Your words can lift someone from the depths of despair to the heights of hope.” Rick Renner
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) You have the ability to encourage or to discourage. “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
When I was at my lowest point, people reached out, they were a lifeline. So that’s always a reminder that when others are going through tough times, we are called to be their lifeline as well, if possible. We know firsthand what it feels like to have people surround us when you’re going through life‘s most difficult challenges, so then in turn, let us be there for others. “God doesn’t intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other.” Rick Warren
If you can weather the storms, you’ll come out stronger than when you went in. Who are the people in your life that have the fortitude to walk through struggles and come out stronger? Two together is beyond twice as strong because there’s a compounding effect. Form the ties that bind, a spiritual roots system, and magnify each other’s strength. “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
We are the body of Christ. Christ foretold “on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18) “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? That you take church wherever you go. I wonder what blessings would occur if we could focus on building people up. The greatest commandment is to love God and love others. Ephesians 4:29 would be a great mission statement and a worthy challenge to try to live out. “Do not let ANY UNWHOLESOME talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26) I’m reminded that they say we are an average of our five friends. Faith is contagious and so is grumbling. Find those friends who bring out the best in you. Protect your peace. The spirit of connection is so important to encourage others and to allow ourselves to be encouraged.
Each day presents new opportunities to love and bless others; a smile, kind words, encouragement, prayer, hope, or a hug. Be the best spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, parent, son/daughter possible. You won’t regret it, at least try. What would Jesus do?
A. When have you gone through a storm and someone was a lifeline for you? Have you been a lifeline for someone else?
B. Do you take stock of who your five closest friends are and how they encourage you in the faith? Who are you encouraging in the faith?
C. Who do you celebrate life with?
