Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not
giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I didn’t care about fashion. Shopping left me exhausted, and my hair style skills stopped with braids.
Growing up, I was a tomboy. I’d rather climb a tree or tromp
through the woods, than primp and play with make-up. Then God gave me three
girls. Instead of focusing on their appearance (although they were always beautiful)
I made a point to instill in them the importance of encouraging and loving each
other. Many times through the years, I gave a speech reminding them their friends
might come and go, but your sister will always be your sister.
It’s been a joy for me to see my girls grow close to each
other and support one another. Despite my inability to raise girls in a girly
way, God helped me teach them a love for truth, independence to know they could
accomplish what the Lord set before them, and the desire to encourage and help
others.
There is a meme on social media that says something like, “Be
the woman who fixes another woman's crown without telling the world it was
crooked.” Men and women, we all need to encourage each other with kind words
and heartfelt gestures. Don’t point out the difficulty, instead quietly lend a
loving hand and encourage your friend, family member, or even a stranger.
The Hebrews writer says to urge each other to love. What’s
that look like? In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 we find love is patient, kind, thankful,
humble, unselfish, calm, and doesn’t carry grudges, rejoices with the
truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. That’s quite a list, but if
each of us would embrace the love God outlined, we’d build each other up and
find the world a kinder more considerate place.
As Jesus’ followers were not called to judge and fight, we’re
asked to remind others of their worth to God. He created every one of us in his
image. An image which includes loving others. He knows our hearts and has a
desire for us to love Him and the people around us.
Encourage one another with kind words and heartfelt gestures.