Encouragement

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“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV

en·cour·age·ment

inˈkərijmənt,enˈkərijmənt/

noun

1. the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

   "thank you for all your support and encouragement"

   synonyms:

   heartening, cheering up, inspiration, motivation, stimulation, fortification;More

   • persuasion to do or to continue something.

     "incentives and encouragement to play sports"
   • the act of trying to stimulate the development of an activity, state, or belief.

     "the encouragement of foreign investment"^1.

               Have we received good guidance from spending time with Jesus? Has He consoled us through loving us? Have we benefitted from being in the presence of the Holy Spirit?

               The Apostle Paul tells us God wants us be unified—together in purpose and in heart. This does not mean we should all drive the same kind of car. Nor does it mean we should all dress alike. Paul uses the phrase, ‘like-minded.’ We should all want the same thing—Jesus to be glorified.

               Recently, I heard of an instance where a strong-willed woman stepped in and took over the leadership of a church function. The one who was supposed to be in charge of the event got her feelings hurt and is presently staying away from church. I believe things like this are hurtful to the body of Christ and to Jesus himself. An update on this circumstance is I have seen the one who was hurt at church services lately. Prayer brought her back.

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1, www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Encouragement